‘Goalkeepers mature with age, no one can match Sreejesh’
Coach Harendra says the veteran goalkeeper shares experience with youngsters, which is the way to go
competition with them. The best part is when you start to fight with your previous performances then you always get motivation to do better.”
For the likes of reserves Krishan Pathak, Akash Chikte or Suraj Karkera, the bar has been set quite high by the man from Kerala, who refuses to cede his territory . Sreejesh remains a key cog who has played a significant role in India reaching world No.5 and bagging medals at FIH tournaments regularly.
“I always try to set the bar high because when youngsters look up to goalkeeping they have to realise it is a responsible position. The next one who is going to take up my duty will have a huge responsibility while wearing the India jersey to take it even further,” said the former India skipper.
A hot topic of debate during this World Cup is how the rate of penalty corner conversions has declined in the recent past. But that is also perhaps because the defence has become better with ‘keepers constantly trying to counter variations.
“You need to have a close look at what is happening around the world. Variations, strengths and weaknesses… you need to talk with your defence team for better communication which will help you defend well,” said Sreejesh.
“In a penalty corner you cannot cover the entire goalpost. Certain areas will be left free. But that is when experience matters… you can anticipate what they are going to do and how to tackle that. But the most important thing is to watch the ball and save it.” Having thrashed South Africa 5-0 and drawn 2-2 against Belgium, India next take on world No.11 Canada, who will be eager for their first win to qualify for the knockouts.
“We cannot take anyone lightly because last year at the Hockey World League Semi-finals, we had a bad experience with Canada (India lost 2-3 to Canada). So, every team is important for us.”
DAVID JOHN MISSING
BHUBANESWAR : Hockey India’s high performance director David John is missing from the team’s setup and is nowhere to be seen despite the sport’s most important tournament being held here. A top HI official, who did not wish to be named, confirmed that John is not in Bhubaneswar. Despite his contract running till the 2020 Olympics, word is that his contract might be terminated at the end of the World Cup. “There will be changes made but not now, only after the World Cup. As per my knowledge, John will not continue,” said the official. John was removed from the selection panel in October for criticising some
Indian players.