Hero Hockey World League Round 2: Upbeat India take on lowly Fiji in tournament opener

After relatively decent performances in the 34th FIH Champions Trophy and the Asian Champions Trophy, the Indian men’s hockey team would be high on confidence when they lock horns with 71st ranked Fiji in the opening league match of the Hero Hockey World League Round 2 tournament beginning at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on Monday.

The blueshirts would also be fit as a fiddle with all its players having a good run in the inaugural Hero Hockey India League, which was won by Ranchi Rhinos.

Captain Sardar Singh, touted as one of the world’s best centre-halfs, would be looking to control the midfield along with the likes of Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, Manpreet Singh and the newbie Gurjinder Singh, who is a talented drag-flicker as well.

In fact, the Indian drag-flick department wears a healthy look with the team having as many as three options – Rupinder Pal Singh, Vokkaliga Raghunath and Gurjinder Singh.

Young defender Harbir Singh, who combined so well with Wouter Jolie for Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the HIL, would be keen to make a big impression and gain vital international exposure at the senior level. Harbir’s defending skills have impressed many and it remains to be seen how he holds his own playing alongside the likes of Raghunath, Rupinder and Gurjinder.

The Indian forwardline will bank on the trio of SV Sunil, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Dharamvir Singh to shoulder more responsibility upfront. Danish Mujtaba, who is named the Indian captain for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, would be looking to fare well.

All eyes will be on two star forwards of the Hero Hockey India League – Mandeep Singh (Ranchi Rhinos) and Malak Singh (Punjab Warriors) – both the youngsters would look to blossom wearing the national jersey.

Mandeep, who scored 10 goals in the HIL and pleased hockey fans with his goal-poaching skills, would seek to prove that his HIL performance is no flash in the pan.

Malak, whose sizzling runs down the flanks caught the attention of many, would look to complement the other forwards.

Goalkeepers PR Sreejesh and PT Rao would eye a good showing in the tournament. Sreejesh is expected to be the first choice goalkeeper although PT Rao had a stupendous 34th Champions Trophy when Sreejesh was down with a hamstring injury.

The Squad: Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, PT Rao. Fullbacks: V R Raghunath (vice-captain), Rupinderpal Singh, Harbir Singh.Halfbacks: Birendra Lakra, Manpreet Singh, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam, Sardar Singh (captain), Gurjinder Singh.

Forwards: Danish Mujtaba, Nithin Thimmaiah, Mandeep Singh, Malik Singh, S V Sunil, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Dharamvir Singh, Gurvinder Singh Chandi.