A player of Rupinder Pal Singh’s experience deserved one more chance, says Sardar Singh
FIH
Former captain Sardar Singh has sated that in big events like the upcoming Hockey World cup a player with experience is a huge asset and that’s why Rupinder Pal Singh deserved a place in the World cup squad. Rupinder was not picked for the World Cup by the selectors for his poor recent run.
Many Hockey lovers were in for a surprise when the squad for the Hockey World Cup to be held in Odisha was announced. Rupinder Pal Singh, who has played more than 200 games for India, was not on the list of the names. Even though he was not in the best of his forms in the recent months, not many people thought that the selectors would do away with such an experienced player. Recently retired former National Hockey team, Sardar Singh too joined the bandwagon and said that Rupinder deserves the chance solely on the basis of the amount of experience he brings to the table.
"Experience is the key in such tournaments. A player of Rupinder Pal Singh's calibre deserved a
Sardar said that apart from the experience, Rupinder is also an astutely skilled player and his records speak for himself. With 116 goals from 206 matches, he has the numbers on his side. Sardar also vouched for Rupinder’s counter-attack and drag-flick skills.
"Skillwise also, Rupinder offers a lot. He can initiate a quick turnover and can foil counter-attacks. He would have been a real asset. Absolutely, Rupinder does provide an excellent drag-flick option, as he has both power and precision. Harmanpreet, Varun, and Amit are all young, and I am sure they will meet the challenge."
SV Sunil injured himself on the newly laid turf in a refurbished Kalinga Stadium after which he failed to recover in time and was not picked for the World Cup squad. Ramandeep Singh too was not able to make it to the squad due to an injury. All in all the Indian squad for the World Cup seems a bit inexperienced this time around.
"The team is quite young, and not many players have big match experience. Unfortunately, SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh are also not there due to injuries. Some of the current guys have played not more than 15-20 international matches, so yes, that is a concern. But having said that, I am sure they would have planned and strategize against each team. The coach and senior players will have a big role, and I am confident they will do well," the former playmaker said.
There are not many experienced players in the team but enough to give the team a good combination of youth and experience. Birendra Lakra was recalled after recovering from his injury and Sardar expressed his happiness over his inclusion.
"I am very happy with the return of Birendra Lakra. He is a hardworking defender and he will have a lot of responsibility to shoulder," he said.
India will start their World Cup campaign from November 28, playing their first encounter against South Africa at a refurbished Kalinga Stadium in Odisha.
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