Gurwinder Chandi back in preparatory camp |
Gurwinder Chandi’s inclusion in the probables list is the biggest surprise of all as he still has not recovered from his ankle injury. Gurwinder Chandi underwent ankle operation two months ago in England is expected to be out for at least two more months and has even pulled out of Hockey India League starting next month. Selectors decision to include him in the squad is indeed a surprising one.
Danish Mujtaba who had been sidelined from July due to ligament tear in the right knee has also returned to the probables list after recovering from it. Also making comeback in the team is another attacking midfielder Yuvraj Walmiki who has been kept out of the team owing to poor form.
Only notable absentee from the core probables list is drag-flicker Sandeep Singh who has not been part of Hockey India plans since London Olympics debacle.
India, the hosts of Hockey World League Finals are placed in the Group A and will face England in the opening day of the tournament and will go on to face New Zealand on January 11 and then Germany in the final pool game on January 13.
Following is India’s probables list for Hockey World League Finals:
Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, PT Rao and Harjot Singh
Defenders: Harbir Sandhu, Rupinder Pal Singh, VR Raghunath, Birendra Lakra, Gurjinder Singh, Amit Rohidas, Gurmail Singh and Kothajit Singh
Midfielders: Sardara Singh, Manpreet Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglensana Singh, SK Uthappa, MP Aiyappa and Satbir Singh
Forwards: Nikkin Thimmiah, Nithin Thimmiah, SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Gurwinder Chandi, Affan Yousuf and Yuvraj Walmiki
(Image Source: Google Images)