Don't take Kaling Lancers lightly: Lalit Upadhyay

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New Delhi, January 3 (IANS)

Kalinga Lancers young striker Lalit Upadhyay Saturday said the Bhubaneswar-based team has a settled unit and it can't be taken lightly in the Hockey India League (2015) starting January 22.

"The HIL 2015 will be a real challenge for us. The previous season was like testing the water as that was our inaugural season. This season, we have better strength, well-settled players and new recruits," Lalit said in a release.

The 21-year-old forward drew attention of many hockey pundits in the previous season by showing striking skills and gutsy attitude.

After his noteworthy performance, the Varanasi-lad was selected for the national team and has been consistent in the last one year.

“I’ve been working hard and hope to do well this season”

Lalit aspires to play with more maturity and sensibility to materialise his raw passion into more goals, as well as help his team to perform better in the league, which will end February 22.

Lalit said that his team will rely on Argentine drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, experienced Spanish defender Ramon Alegre and seasoned Australian midfielder Glenn Simpson.

"We have brilliant players, such as Peillat, Simpson, Ramon and Devinder Walmiki, who have the ability to turn the game on any given day. I have been working hard and hope to do well in this season.

The young player will also be benefited by the presence of top strikers like Argentine Lucas Villa, Australian Russell Ford and India's Roshan Minz.

In the first match, the Lancers will take on Ranchi Rays at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.