India announce squad for Four-Nation Tournament in Australia; Raghunath to lead

After India's successful campaign in the Asian Champions Trophy where they beat rivals Pakistan in the final, the Indian hockey team will head Down Under for a Four-Nation Tournament starting November 23 followed by a Test series against hosts Australia.

Akash Chikte who came up with outstanding performance in the final of ACT will be India's custodian in Melbourne, Australia where they play the hosts, Malaysia and New Zealand. The second goal keeper will be Abhinav Kumar Pandey from Uttar Pradesh. "Abhinav has been in and out of the camps. He has had a knee injury for a while but has made a strong comeback and we are pleased with his performance in this camp," said chief coach Roelant Oltmans.

"Both Sreejesh and Sunil will remain in SAI for rehabilitation. Also Sreejesh has willingly stepped up to spend some time with the junior team goalkeepers. He has already starting working with them and will assist Dave Staniforth who is joining us next week. This is great for the young boys and sharing his experience with them will be valuable ahead of the Junior World Cup," stated Oltmans, who will work with the junior team while strategic coach Roger Van Gent will accompany the senior team to Australia.

Meanwhile stand-in skipper Raghunath expressed that the team is upbeat and eager to face the challenge Down Under. "The Asian Champions Trophy win has boosted the morale of the players and the team's spirit is high. However, playing in Australia is a different challenge and we are up for it. We have beaten Australia in their home earlier in 2014 Test series and look to repeat similar performance this time too," he said.

1. Abhinav Kumar Pandey

2. Akash Chikte

3. Rupinder Pal Singh (Vice Captain)

4. Pardeep Mor

6. Birendra Lakra

7. Kothajit Singh

MIDFIELDERS

9. Chinglensana Singh Kangujam

11. Sardar Singh

12. S.K Uthappa

13. Talwinder Singh

14. Nikkin Thimmaiah

16. Mohammad Amir Khan

17. Satbir Singh