The Hindu : Lack of consensus evident in Indian team's selection

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Sport

Sport - Hockey

Lack of consensus evident in Indian team's selection

By S. Thyagarajan

Chennai May 20. The lack of consensus among the selectors and coaches is apparent in the selection of the 20-member squad for the twin hockey tournaments in Australia. Why the list of 18 named for the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament — which India was forced to miss due to external factors that had no link with sports — was increased by two is anybody's guess.

Presumably, the move was aimed at accommodating a couple of players in order to give the coach a wider choice in the double-leg competition. In giving the impression that balance has been achieved between experience and youth in the team, the federation has fallen to the temptation of recalling a handful of veterans.

This is a double-edged sword and could prove disastrous if the seasoned stars, banished in the wake of the pathetic show in the World Cup and earlier in the Olympics, fail to meet the expectations of the coach.

Except Dhanraj Pillay, who had a wonderful run last year both in the Champions Trophy and Asian Games, the rest of the pack — Baljit Dhillon, Baljit Saini and Mukesh Kumar — is unlikely to match the speed.

It is time the coaches realised that a few good shows in the domestic Gold Cup or Beighton Cup is not sufficient to tackle the pressure at the international level against outfits like Germany, Australia, Holland, Argentina and Pakistan.

The argument that Australia also has a squad of 24 for the twin events is untenable since chief coach Barry Dancer's focus is on widening the youth base which did well in the National League.

The only blessing is that India's 20-member squad includes more than a handful from the Junior World Cup-winning team at Hobart two years ago. That the majority who figured in the Asian Games also got a look-in is pleasing to note.

How far the elevation of Dhanraj as captain again will go down well with the seniors remains a question mark. As he is voluble and temperamental, there can be embarrassing moments for all. Rajinder Singh will definitely be aware of this trait in the best player of the squad.

Of course, everyone is also aware of Dhanraj's bonding with Mukesh Kumar and if the two combine well, the effect could be spellbinding.

While Devesh Chavan has handled sufficient pressure and come out with flying colours, Kamaldeep, who replaced Chettri, is an unknown commodity. Except for the addition of Baljit Singh Saini, skilled but prone to injuries, it is good to know that the defence structure has not been disturbed. Yet, one feels sorry for the omission of Dinesh Nayak, who has never got a fair deal under the present coach for reasons unknown.

Rajinder's confidence in Kanwalpreet has always been high and the trend continues. And Dilip Tirkey is one player who cannot be touched. He stands head and shoulders above the rest in the defence zone and is also proficient in penalty corner conversions.

Jugraj is another player Rajinder has faith in despite the tendency to commit too many mistakes. One such error possibly cost India the gold at Busan when he ended up with a red card seconds before the final hooter.

Solid midfield

Ignace Tirkey, Bimal Lakra, Vikram Pillay and Viren Resquinha, along with Prabhodh Tirkey, form a formidable midfield where Arjun Halappa and Sandeep Michael too can be assets. Where was the need to recall Saini is a question that will keep cropping up for some time.

The absence of Deepak Thakur, presumably injured, is unlikely to alter the dynamics of the attack which has the best names in the business. Undoubtedly, the cynosure will be Dhanraj but many are waiting to see Dhillon in action. There cannot be a better spectacle than watching Dhillon on a sinuous run, sidestepping defender after defender. It would be equally enthralling to witness Mukesh surge down the flanks and unleash his backhanders. The Australians still speak of the goal he scored against them in the first few minutes of the game at the Sydney Olympics.

Heading the youth brigade are Gagan Ajit Singh and Prabhjot Singh. Who can forget the goal Gagan scored against Pakistan at Busan! It was a pity that Prabhjot had to be sidelined with an ankle injury for the major part of the Asian Games.

Tushar Khandekar, whose performances in the junior events have been taken note of, is another youngster who needs to be groomed into a top class forward, along with Sandeep Michael. Excellent stickwork is Michael's hallmark and a lot depends on how he is used by the coach.

With a fleet of four coaches — each experienced enough in his own area — and a wide choice of experience and skill, Rajinder has everything a coach could hope for. How he utilises the resources at his command to make the tour successful and opens a new chapter en route to the Athens 2004 Olympics will be watched with keen interest.

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