HIL 2014: Strong Punjab take on 2013 runners-up Delhi in opener

Punjab Warriors and Delhi Waveriders in action during the 2013 edition of the Hockey India League

The second edition of the Hero Hockey India League gets underway with a north India derby, with Jaypee Punjab Warriors taking on Delhi Waveriders in the opening match at the newly-built International Hockey Stadium at Mohali. With the winner taking home a whooping Rs. 2.5 crore, and the runner up getting 1.25 crore, there’s a lot on stake for teams to win the tournament, and both Punjab and Delhi would like to begin the tournament on a winning note.

In the previous edition of the HIL, Punjab and Delhi faced each other in the semi-final, where the team from Delhi defeated Punjab by a margin of 3 goals to 1. However, Delhi Waveriders finished runners-up, losing the final to title winners Ranchi Rhinos. In the bronze medal match, Punjab Warriors lost 4-3 in dramatic fashion to Uttar Pradesh Wizards, after leading 3-0.

Jaypee Punjab Warriors

The Jaypee Group owned Punjab Warriors have a fair mix of young and experienced players. Their overseas squad comprises primarily Australian players, with captain Jamie Dwyer being the leader of the pack.

With Dutch goalkeeper Jaap Stockmann and experienced players like Ignace Tirkey and Mark Knowles in their ranks, Punjab boasts of a strong defensive line-up. Also, the strong presence of Jamie Dwyer in the midfield will allow Punjab to revolve their play around their experienced captain. Punjab’s forward line consists of players like Shivendra Singh, SV Sunil, Dharamvir Singh and a youngster Affan Yousuf, who possess the ability to torment any opposition’s defense. With highly experienced Barry Dancer and Jagbir Singh in their think-tank, Punjab will make sure they have their strategies in place before the first game.

Player to Watch out for

Sandeep Singh

The highest goal-scorer of the 2013 edition of HIL, Sandeep Singh was added to the Punjab Warrior’s squad during the auction last year. A lethal penalty corner specialist with loads of experience, Sandeep Singh is surely the player to watch out for not only for the first game, but the entire tournament.

Delhi Waveriders

Delhi Waveriders is co-owned by the Wave Group and Bollywood star John Abraham, who is a 13 percent stake holder of the Delhi side. The runners-up of last year, Delhi Waveriders have in their ranks a star player like Sardar Singh, who is the captain of their side and also the highest-paid Indian of the league.

Last season, Delhi Waveriders had an 11-match unbeaten run but could not go on to win the tournament. This year, although they lack big names in their line-up, their overseas squad do have quite a few experienced names which include Simon Child of New Zealand, Jason Wilson of Australia, Lloyd Norris-Jones of South Africa, Andrés Mir of Spain and goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi of Germany.

The onus to score goals for Delhi will lie on Indian young sensation Yuvraj Walmiki and penalty corner specialist Rupinder Pal Singh, who was the highest goal scorer for Delhi Waveriders last season.

Player to watch out for

Sardar Singh

The presence of Sardara Singh in the centre half position will allow the Delhi Waveriders to not only break opposition attacks, but his ability to feed the ball the forward line will also help Delhi Waveriders to consistently stay on the offensive.

Prediction

Jaypee Punjab Warriors look strong on paper with the presence of Sandeep Singh and Jamie Dwyer. It’ll be interesting to see whether Delhi Waveriders can ride on the experience of Sardar Singh and upset the Punjab side on their home turf.

Venue: International Hockey Stadium, Mohali

Match begins at 8 pm IST