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| Indian team for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2016 |
Hockey India today announced the 18 member team for upcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup which will feature the likes of Australia, New Zealand and arch-rivals Pakistan. 29 year old Sardar Singh will lead the side for the tournament while striker SV Sunil will be vice-captain of the side in the absence of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who has been rested for the tournament.
Also rested for the tournament is defender and ace drag-flicker VR Raghunath who will be replaced by young Harmanpreet Singh who has impressed the coach and selectors with his performance with junior team and Hockey India League. Midfielder
Dharamvir Singh who had taken over the role of Gurbaj Singh has also been rested for the tournament.
In absence of goalie PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh who has spend most of his time on the bench will be the first choice goalkeeper while Akash Chikte who was impressive in 5th Hockey India National Championship is the other goalkeeper in the 18 member squad.
In absence of regular VR Raghunath, the defensive duties will be taken care by Rupinder Pal Singh and Jasjit Singh Kular. Injury to Birendra Lakra gives a chance to Surender Singh to impress while Harmanpreet Singh and Kothajit Singh are the other defenders who are selected in the side.
Harjeet Singh who captained the Indian junior team has also been selected for the tournament and he will be joined by regulars Manpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Sardar Singh, SK Uthappa and Danish Mujtaba who will be making his comeback in the squad.
Highest paid Indian in Hockey India League 2016 Akashdeep Singh has also been rested for the tournament while Devinder Walmiki who was injured during Hockey India League also misses out. The attack will be led by SV Sunil and will be supported by the likes of Ramandeep Singh, Talwinder Singh,. Mandeep Singh and Nikkin Thimmiah.
Following is the team selected to play in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2016
Goalkeepers- Harjot Singh and Akash Chikte
Defenders- Rupinder Pal Singh, Jasjit Singh Kular, Kothajit Singh, Surender Singh and Harmanpreet Singh
Midfielders- Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sardar Singh, SK Uthappa and Harjeet Singh
Fowards- Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Nikkin Thimmiah and Ramandeep Singh
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is the perfect opportunity for India to rest the overworked players and test the young bench strength looking at the Olympics later this year.
India has had a good run in the tournament winning the tournament 5 times while the last outing for India ended with the bronze medal win.
India will play its first match against Japan on 6th April while the much awaited clash of the tournament between India and Pakistan will be played on April 12.
Check out the complete schedule of the tournament by clicking here
(Image Source: Hockey India)
