New Delhi, Mar 13:
Seasoned goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made a comeback while former skipper Sardar Singh was dropped from the 18-member Indian hockey squad to be led by Manpreet Singh at the next month’s Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.
The Indian team has been clubbed with Pakistan, Malaysia, Wales and England in Pool B. India will open their campaign on April 7 against arch-rivals Pakistan.
While Manpreet dons the captain’s armband, the responsibilities of his deputy will be shouldered by Chinglensana Singh Kangujam.
It was under Manpreet’s leadership the Indian team lifted the coveted Asia Cup title and also won a bronze medal at the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar, last year.
Veteran custodian Sreejesh is back after having suffered a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury during the Azlan Shah tournament in 2017. His brilliant show during the New Zealand tour saw him get his place back.
He will be backed by the 22-year-old talent Suraj Karkera who played a crucial part in the team’s good show in Bhubaneswar last year in his senior counterpart’s absence.
Squad: Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Suraj Karkera;
Defenders: Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Kothajit Singh, Gurinder Singh, Amit Rohidas;
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh (C), Chinglensana Singh (vice-captain), Sumit, Vivek Sagar Prasad; Forwards: Akashdeep Singh, SV Sunil, Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh.
Coach: Sjoerd Marijne. (PTI)
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