India are still competitive minus Sardar, Sunil and Rupinder

BHUBANESWAR: At the end of a press conference, India coach Harendra Singh was asked who does he idolise? “Only one man, Ric Charlesworth,” he said.

The 66-year-old Australian has not just won a World Cup as player, but also coached the Australian men’s team to World Cup crowns and women’s team to Olympic success.

Hindustan Times caught up with Charlesworth and discussed the ongoing World Cup, the Indian team, the defunct Hockey India League (HIL) among other topics. Excerpts:

How has the World Cup been so far?

Predictable. Higher ranked teams have won all matches. So, it is on form so far. But the upsets will come.

An Indian (Harendra) is coaching India after 10 years. Your thoughts…

Harendra is there because he’s served a good apprenticeship. He’s been around since I was here a decade ago. He’s had time with many foreign coaches. I’m sure he has learnt from them.

They have played a part in developing India but in the end, you want an Indian to be coaching your team because you don’t have many players speaking English well… so from the point of communication, he is good to have.

He’s calm and has been constantly learning. He’s a good choice.

What about his Australian deputy Chris Ciriello?

Every team has specialist coaches, for goalkeeping, for finishing and also drag-flicking. Ciriello (a drag-flick specialist) had a good action, understands the craft and can give confidence as well as technical help. He has much to contribute (as analytical coach).

India’s chances?

India have to win the quarterfinal. Then if you get to semis, which they are capable of, anything can happen. There are no favourites this time. This is a very even competition. Argentina, Australia, Germany, Holland, Belgium and India -- winner will come out of those.

Your opinion on Sardar Singh’s decision to retire ahead of the World Cup?

If you asked me earlier who would be playing the World Cup, I’d have said SV Sunil, Sardar and Rupinder (Pal Singh). But they’re not. But that says something about India’s depth now which you didn’t have a decade ago. India still have a competitive team without those three. Sardar’s was an important decision. He’s 31 and could have played a couple of more years. I played at a World Cup at 34 and Olympics at 36.

Your thoughts about Hockey 5s and HIL might toe the line?

Stupid! Why? It is crazy. This game (11-a-side) here can do.