In an exciting development for hockey enthusiasts, Hockey Bharat has unveiled its 26-member squad for the upcoming four-nation series in Cape Town, South Africa, scheduled to kick off on January 22. The tournament will showcase the skills of teams from France, the Netherlands, India, and host nation South Africa.
Leadership Dynamics
The Bharat team will be under the captaincy of Harmanpreet Singh, with Hardik Singh, the FIH Player of the Year, serving as the Vice Captain. The duo is expected to bring a formidable combination of experience and skill to the team. Notably, the inclusion of young talents Araijeet Singh Hundal and Boby Singh Dhami reflects a commitment to nurturing emerging players.
Goalkeeping Strength
The squad features a strong goalkeeping contingent, with PR Sreejesh, Krishan Pathak, and Pawan set to guard the net. Their presence adds a solid foundation to the team’s defense, crucial for success in high-stakes matches.
Defensive Lineup
The defensive lineup includes Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Sumit, Sanjay, and Rabichandra Singh Moirangthem. This collective defensive prowess aims to thwart opponents and provide a secure backbone for the team.
Midfield Brilliance
The midfielders selected for the team include Vivek Sagar Prasad, Nilakanta Sharma, Rajkumar Pal, Shamsher Singh, Vishnukant Singh, Hardik Singh, and Manpreet Singh. This midfield combination is expected to control the game’s tempo and contribute both defensively and offensively.
Versatile Forward Line
The forward line boasts an array of talented players, featuring Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Gurjant Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Akashdeep Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Boby Singh Dhami. Their attacking prowess is anticipated to keep the opposition on their toes.
Chief Coach’s Perspective
Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming series, Chief Coach Craig Fulton stated, “We are quite excited to get on with the season in the Olympic year with the South Africa Tour where we will play quality teams.” He emphasized the strategic decision to choose a sizable squad, providing exposure to players and evaluating their performance ahead of the FIH Hockey Pro League.
Youthful Inclusion and Preparations
Fulton highlighted the inclusion of two young players in the senior side, expressing curiosity about their adaptation to the higher level of play. The team will undergo a short camp in SAI, Bengaluru, before embarking on the South Africa Tour.
As the hockey community eagerly anticipates the action-packed tournament, all eyes will be on the Indian squad as they gear up for challenges and aim for a successful campaign in this crucial Olympic year.
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