NEW DELHI, May 17: Mercurial skipper Sardar Singh and ace dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh were today rested from India’s 18-member squad to led by ace goalkeeper PR Sreejesh for the prestigious FIH Champions Trophy to be held in London from June 10 to 17.
Besides, the Hockey India selectors have also rested striker Ramandeep Singh and defender Jasjit Singh Kular.
It will India’s penultimate tournament before the Rio Olympics and the decision to rest some of the senior players, including Sardar, was taken in order to keep them fresh and fit for the quadrennial extravaganza.
After Champions Trophy, India will feature in a six-nation tournament in Valencia, their last preparatory event before the Olympics.
Striker SV Sunil will be Sreejesh’s deputy in the squad which also witnessed the return of seasoned first team players like VR Ragunath and striker Akashdeep Singh, who were not part of the Azlan Shah squad.
Sardar’s place in the team was taken by young Pradeep Mor, while midfielder Devinder Walmiki also gets a look in.
The only change in the forwardline is of Akashdeep coming in for Ramandeep Singh, who too has been given a break.
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