SARDAR , RAMANDEEP RESTED IN HOCKEY WORLD LEAGUE
Former captain Sardar Singh and forward Ramandeep were "rested" while experienced defenders Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra returned to the Indian squad which was named on Friday for the Hockey World League (HWL) Final, starting on December 1 in Bhubaneswar.
Hockey India (HI) chairman of selectors, Harbinder Singh, said that their main aim is not only to ensure that the players remain injury-free ahead of 2018, which will see India play four big tournaments, but also to give chance to everyone.
"No one has been dropped. Players are getting rest. The squad members have been picked on rotation basis. Next year, we have four major tournaments lined up. So keeping players injury-free and fresh is important," Harbinder reasoned.
Next year, India will compete in Commonwealth Games, FIH Champions Trophy, Asian Games and FIH World Cup.
Rupinder and Birendra returned after overcoming injuries, while experienced goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh continues his recovery from an injury. The team will see Akash Chikte and Suraj midfield will see S.K. Uthappa, Kothajit Singh and Sumit join Manpreet and Chinglensana.
Junior World Cup-winning players Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Dipsan Tirkey, who have had promising outings in Europe and Asia Cup, too find themselves in the squad for the season finale.
Moreover, in perhaps one of the best comeback stories of the year, Odisha's defender Amit Rohidas, who had a fantastic outing in 2017 Coal India Hockey India League (HIL) that stemmed his return to the senior fold, has been rewarded with a place in the biggest tournament of the year.
India are grouped with Australia, England and Germany in Pool B and will begin their campaign on the opening day against defending champions Australia. Squad: Goalkeepers: Akash Anil Chikte, Suraj Karkera.
Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Rupinderpal Singh, Birendra Lakra.
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (Captain), Chinglensana Singh (Vice-Captain), S.K. Uthappa, Sumit, Kothajit Singh.
Forwards: S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh.