5 Indian youngsters to watch out for in the Hockey India League

Hockey India League (HIL) is doing a yeoman service for the young Indian players in every possible way. The format of the league is such that it provides the youngsters a rare opportunity to cut their teeth professionally alongside some great International players. Along with a chance to rub shoulders with the very best, the youngsters are also being accorded top notch facilities, right from the training ground to the treatment table.As a result, HIL has brought many young Indian talents to the fore. Both the previous seasons saw the emergence of some exciting young prodigies who mesmerized us with their skills and capabilities.We take a look at 5 such young talents which you should look out for in the upcoming season:

#5 Gurjinder Singh

The big guy from Punjab, who last season played for Dabur Mumbai Magicians, would now ply his trade for Kalinga lancers. A sturdy defender with the ability of striking powerful drag flicks, Gurjinder is the young shining armour of Indian defence. His pin-point cross-field slap passes, sense of positioning, & accuracy in tackling the opposition forwards makes him one of the best defenders right now.

Despite being played as a second fiddle to Rupinder and Raghunath in the national side, he has delivered whenever called to action. However, the story would be different in the HIL as he would get plenty of time to prove his worth and stamp his authority in the game.

#4 S.K. Uthappa

Hailing from Coorg, Karnataka, a place known for producing hockey talents, S.K. Uthappa is another gem. Having made his senior debut in 2012 in a test series against South Africa, he hasn’t looked back since and has already made more than 50 appearances for the national side.

Uthappa is a goal poacher upfront and is known for his body dodging skills. Gifted with a superb hockey brain, he has a good vision to create plenty of chances for the team. Now in his third season with UP Wizards, his overall game has helped the team and is a key player for the side.

#3 Mandeep Singh

Mandeep suddenly burst into the scene with a sensational performance in the first season of the HIL when he scored 10 field goals from open play. At the tender age of 18, he hoodwinked most of the seasoned defenders with his impeccable dribbling and ball control. His performances were duly rewarded when he was soon called up for the senior side.

Last season his journey in the HIL was cut short due to injuries and therefore was unable to make a mark. Nevertheless, this year he looks fit as fiddle and more hungrier than ever to deliver the goods again.

#2 Lalit Upadhyay

This Varanasi lad first came into limelight at the age of 17 when he was wrongly made a scapegoat in a sting operation carried by a news channel against an official of now defunct IHF. Just when it seemed that the career of this youngster was finished, he slowly made his way back to the highest fold with some gutsy performances.

He made his biggest impact in World Series Hockey in 2012 where he was adjudged “rookie of the year” because of his raw pace and ability to create chances down the flanks. During this series, Pakistani legend Shahbaz Ahmed remarked about him, “That boy Lalit, he plays like me. The boy is exceptionally talented.” The importance of this comment is similar to what Sir Bradman once observed about Sachin Tendulkar.

Playing for Kalinga Lancers, he exhibited some extraordinary hockey last year which prompted the national selectors to select him for the national side. Since then he has been a regular feature for the national team and has been performing consistently.

#1 Affan Yousuf

It’s like hockey runs in this young man’s blood.His father Mohammed once represented for the national side.His uncle Sameer Dad also played for India and till recently was playing alongside him for Air India. Although, neither his father nor uncle could make much impact at the highest level, but this youngster from Bhopal promises to outdo both his family members.

He first came into prominence in junior National Hockey (under-20) championship where he single-handedly scored 12 goals in a match for Bhopal against Puducherry.

This talented lad, who made his debut last year for the Punjab Warriors, scored four goals and was a class apart compared to other youngsters. His deftness, accuracy and mazy dribbles tell us why he is regarded as one of the most promising players of the country.

Edited by Staff Editor