#4 Birendra Lakra
Hockey fans across the whole nation were able to heave a sigh of relief on seeing star defender Birendra Lakra named in the Indian side for the Six Nations Tournament after a worrying few months out of action.
The ace fullback from Jharkhand with 123 international appearances to his name was compelled to undergo a ligament reconstruction surgery in his right knee earlier this year. In his absence, the depleted squad looked shaky at the back on several instances and in turn conceded way too many penalty corners that would keep multiplying the pressure.
After a tenacious fightback to match-level fitness, it’s essential for Lakra to regain his exemplary form so as to solidify the defensive unit once again for India.