After fielding a relatively young team in the just-concluded Azlan Shah Cup, India decided to add experience to youth and recalled seasoned campaigners Dilip Tirkey, Gagan Ajit Singh, Viren Rasquinha and Adrian D’Souza in the list of probables for the Champions Challenge Cup men’s field hockey tournament.
The team also got a huge boost with drag-flicker Sandeep Singh returning to the squad after a freak shooting accident.
The lone player who was axed from the Azlan Shah Cup squad was Didar Singh.
While Sandeep’s return will brighten India’s chances and boost penalty corner conversion rate. Meanwhile, former captain Dilip Tirkey’s return will surely bolster the defence. Dilip will be back after a sabbatical, during which he got married and overcame jaundice and an ankle injury.
Gagan, Viren and Adrian were dropped from the squad after India’s nightmarish performance in the World Cup in Germany.
Two new faces in the side are Sunil Yadav and Bruno Lugun.
Coach Joaquim Carvalho attended the selection committee meeting which picked 32 probables, who would be attending a training camp in Bangalore from May 23 to June 12.
Photo: The Hindu
