Road to Rio 2016: 5 specialists to drag-flick for India

#2 Vokkaliga Raghunath

VR Raghunath has scored 127 goals from 203 games, most of which have been from the spot

Charismatic fullback Vokkaliga Raghunath has been instrumental in the resurgence of Indian Hockey in the recent years. Having featured in the national side for over a decade now, Raghunath has found the net 127 times, most of which has come about from penalty corners.

Criticised for his wobbly defending at times, this veteran from Karnataka has exhibited unmatched prowess in converting from penalty-corners. Riding on his consistency, India have managed to beat every other higher ranked side they faced since 2014, including a stunning test series victory against the Kookaburras at their home turf.

Injury woes to Raghunath last year enabled his counterpart Rupinder to fill in for him at the FIH World League semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium. With the latter feasting on this opportunity to set the stage ablaze, Indian hockey has found its deadliest defending duo who could hold the key to achieving long-awaited Olympic glory .