Hardik to lead at Hobart Pro League

India’s disappointing opening home leg of the FIH Pro League has caused concern and top Hockey India officials admit the situation is far from ideal even as the team left for Hobart early morning on Monday for the next leg against Australia and Spain with a few changes.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh has pulled out due to personal reasons and Hardik Singh will lead the side that has a few changes with Pawan replaced by Mohith HS in goalkeeping and Sukhjeet Singh out with injury and several players included from the group that has already been training in Australia.

“There is a lot of talk around a few players being rested. But all of them, and a few others, were part of the Indian side all through last year and we still did not have any outstanding results. Consistency is an issue, especially among the senior players. A lot of them have not been consistent for a while now. Occasional flashes of brilliance cannot replace sustained performance. We need to look at it and the players should also understand it,” HI president Dilip Tirkey was blunt in his assessment.

Officials also confirmed that a reset might be required in terms of the working style of the team management. “Nothing against being friendly with players but coaches need to understand that the Indian culture is different; a minimum distance between coach and players is essential to stay objective. Fitness is anther issue we need to look at,” HI sources agreed.

Squad for Hobart: Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Mohith HS; Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sanjay, Sumit, Amandeep Lakra, Yashdeep Siwach, PC Boby; midfielders: Rajinder Singh, Manmeet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Hardik Singh, Rabichandra Singh, Vishnu Kant Singh, Raj Kumar Pal; forwards: Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Angad Bir Singh, Maninder Singh.

(EOM)