How Indian hockey team is a strong contender for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018

#4 Guarding the Indian citadel: Sreejesh and the young pack

PR Sreejesh is back after injury

Veteran goalkeeper and man for all seasons, PR Sreejesh is among the probables for the Azlan Shah Cup. Sreejesh played in the recently concluded Four-Nations Invitational after an eight-month break following injury.

Young Suraj Karkera is also available along with Akash Chikte, both of whom played for India in the Asia Cup and also the Hockey World League recently.

In the 2017 Hockey World League Final's last eight encounter against the Red Lions, Akash Chikte saved the day for India with some brilliant saves enabling India to beat fancied Belgium in a penalty shootout. In the opener against Australia, however, it has to be said that he conceded a goal from a penalty corner which could have been blocked allowing Jeremy Hayward to score.

In the Asia Cup pool match against Pakistan in Dhaka last year, Suraj Karkera played the first half of the match, denying the Pakistani strikers, notably, Muhammad Atiq who looked dangerous. Akash Chikte was outstanding in goal, in the second half, with some brilliant saves which included a penalty corner enabling India to win 3-1. India conceded just six goals in the tournament thanks to the heroics of Karkera and Chikte.

In the all-important HWL finals against Germany last month, Suraj Karkera made a superb save off a penalty corner to deny the Germans. India went on to win the bronze beating Germany.

Also, among India's goalkeeping probables is Krishan Pathak. In the Four-Nations Invitational in New Zealand (where veteran Sreejesh was available) Pathak made good use of the chance he got in the match against Japan. Pathak's superb interceptions after the Japanese had got well past the Indian defence, helped India win 4-2.

Competition, no doubt brings out the best in all. Having reserves available in order to offset the negative outcome from injuries is also vital in international hockey.

Sreejesh is still the best, but in his absence, Karkera, Chikte, and Pathak have made their mark which no doubt augurs well for the team and for the future as well.