Four Players Who Rocked the Hockey Champions Trophy

The Quint takes a look at the four Indian hockey players who have rocked the Champions Trophy.

File photo of SV Sunil. (Photo: AP)

The Indian hockey team made history after making it to their first final of the Champions Trophy on Friday, after Belgium drew 3-3 with Great Britain.

India, after losing to Australia 2-4 in their last league game, had rested their hopes on the result of the match between Belgium and Great Britain. They needed the teams to play out a draw and fortunately for India, Belgium drew 3-3 with Great Britain.

The Indian team have been able to put up a great performance in the tournament due to a comprehensive team effort.

Every player has contributed to the team’s success with the seniors such as SV Sunil, PR Sreejesh leading from the front.

The Quint takes a look at four Indian players who rocked the Champions Trophy.

1. PR Sreejesh

File photo of PR Sreejesh. (Photo: Reuters)

India’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been like a rock at the goal. He has saved a number of shots throughout the tournament. During the match against Great Britain, Sreejesh saved four penalty corners.

In the match against Belgium, Sreejesh went through a slump when he conceded two goals between his pads, but quickly regrouped and carried out some spectacular saves towards the end of the match.

2. SV Sunil

India’s SV Sunil, right, and South Korea’s You Seungju battle for the ball. (Photo: AP)

SV Sunil has been the powerhouse of the Indian team. The striker has found a way to stay as close to the ball as possible throughout the tournament. In the absence of the regular Indian captain Sardara Singh, SV Sunil has taken full responsibility of the forward line.

The 27-year-old has set up several goals in the tournament and scored a goal against South Korea. The highlight of the tournament for SV Sunil is certainly the goal he created against Germany.

Sunil made a brilliant solo run on the right and carried out a pass in the scoring circle to Mandeep Singh, who scored the second goal for India.

3. Mandeep Singh

Mandeep Singh in action during India’s match against Great Britain. (Photo Courtesy: International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) Facebook page)

Mandeep Singh has notched up the most number of goals for India in the competition, and also is the joint highest goal scorer in the tournament, with three goals so far.

The 21-year-old has been the go-to striker for the Indian team. He has got into good positions to receive passes and effected brilliant goals against Germany, Great Britain and Australia.

4. VR Raghunath

The defender VR Raghunath has not only contributed at the back but has also contributed with two goals in the tournament.

The 27-year-old got India off to a fantastic start against Germany after converting a penalty corner and when India were reeling at 0-3 against Australia, Raghunath gave India some respite with a goal on the 45th minute of the match.