India is set to host the 14th edition of the men’s hockey World Cup, starting 28 November, in which its 18-member squad will be playing for a trophy denied to their country for the last 43 years.
Some of the team’s most experienced players in the last few years will be missing the campaign. Former Indian captain Sardar Singh announced retirement in September this year, and later admitted that part of the reason had been ill-treatment from the coaching staff of the team. Besides, three senior players – Ramandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Rupinder Pal Singh – who were part of India’s squad at the last edition of the World Cup, have not been picked this time around.
While seven players, who had won the Junior World Cup under the guidance of coach Harendra Singh, have been drafted into the team. That leaves India, with what coach Singh calls, “a mix of experienced and youth who have been selected on the basis of their current form and fitness.” Here’s a look at which of these 18 players could play a key role in India’s campaign, starting 28 November against South Africa.
Harmanpreet Singh
In Rupinder Pal Singh’s absence, Harmanpreet Singh will be India’s first-choice penalty corner specialist at the World Cup. Not only has he been the team’s star drag flicker this past year, but he has also played a pivotal role in the defence.
The 22-year-old was India’s highest scorer at the Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games this year. At the Asian Games, he scored a total of 10 goals including nine penalty corners and one field goal. He took that form into the Asian Champions Trophy, where he converted 5 PCs and scored one goal in the penalty shootout.
Though he is one of the younger players in the team, Harman’s experience of having played major tournaments like the Olympics, Champions Trophy, CWG and Asian Games, will make him an important part of PR Srejeesh’s squad at the World Cup.
PR Sreejesh
The wall of the Indian men’s hockey team, senior goalkeeper (and sometimes captain) PR Sreejesh is one of the most experienced players in the Indian squad, and also brings with him a heap of skill. Though he won’t be leading the team at the World Cup, he will play a key part of their campaign, both in terms of mentoring the junior players and guarding the goal.
The 30-year-old, who was missing in action for a major part of last year, made a strong comeback at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. He returned to captaincy by leading India to the Champions Trophy silver in July this year. He also starred during the 1-1 draw with Belgium (one of India’s league-stage opponents at the World Cup), saving a majority of the 11 penalty corners.
In the Asian Games semi-final, captain Sreejesh held his nerve during the penalty shootout and saved three of the five shots. But India eventually went on to lose after SV Sunil failed to score in sudden death.
Dilpreet Singh
At just 19, Dilpreet Singh has played the Champions Trophy, CWG, Asian Games and Asian Champions Trophy – all in his first year since breaking into the senior team.
The Punjab forward made his international debut at the Four Nations Invitational Tournament, where he finished as India’s highest goal-scorer. He scored two field goals at the Gold Coast CWG, and a netted five at the ACT, including three field goals and two PCs.
Dilpreet’s performances in the domestic circuit earned him a place in the Junior core team probables 2017. Later that year, he was selected for the Sultan Johor Cup where he scored an impressive seven goals. He was drafted into the senior team’s national camp earlier this year, and with just 36 caps, is set to play the World Cup!
Manpreet Singh
Leading the Indian team and the midfield will be Manpreet Singh, also the most experienced in the squad with 238 caps. Captain of the team that won gold at the Asia Cup and bronze at the Hockey World League Final last year, the 26-year-old’s role on the field and leadership skills have made him a mainstay in the team. Singh had first replaced an injured Sreejesh as captain for the Hockey World League Semi-final, and has since been regularly leading the team.
Indian captain at the 2013 junior World Cup that had also been hosted in India, this year he led the senior team’s medal-less campaign at the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Champions Trophy, where India were declared joint winners with Pakistan.
Manpreet will be carrying India’s midfield, and will play a crucial role in creating opportunities for India to score.
Mandeep Singh
Mandeep Singh’s unconventional ways of creating scoring opportunities make him a standout member in India’s forward-line.
Besides, Mandeep has also been a consistent goal-scorer at the tournament he’s played so far this year. He netted three goals including two field and one PC at the Champions Trophy, and followed it up with two more goals at the CWG. He scored an outstanding eight field goals at the Asian Games and also converted one penalty corner.
The 23-year-old has been a regular feature in the team’s attack since his international debut at the 2013 Hockey World League Round 2. And with two young players being named in the forward line, he will be carrying the bulk of the pressure with Akashdeep Singh.
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