Sardar Singh back as captain of Indian Hockey Team
What's the story
Half-back Sardar Singh will return as the captain of Indian hockey team for 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, scheduled to kick off from March 3 in Ipoh, Malaysia. The 31-year-old, who was once a vital member of the squad, has now been reduced to a fringe player and was also dropped last July. He will be looking to make a strong comeback.
Squad rotation
Veterans Sreejesh and Manpreet rested
India have opted to rest veteran players such as goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who recently returned to full fitness from an injury, and regular skipper Manpreet Singh. Apart from this, Indian selectors have decided to bring in 3 new faces. Mandeep Mor, Sumit Kumar and Shilanand Lakra are set to make their debut for India at the tournament.
Litmus test
Sardar eyes strong comeback
Sardar Singh will wear the captain's armband after it was taken away from him close to two years ago. After being dropped for younger blood by the Indian selectors, Sardar has made a timely return and will look to make the most of this opportunity especially with the 2020 Tokyo games drawing close. Forward Ramandeep Singh will be the vice-captain.
Data
India face stern challenge in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
India, who are currently ranked sixth in the world, will compete against world number one Australia, Olympic champions and world number two Argentina, England, Ireland and hosts Malaysia at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
India squad
This is the complete Indian squad
Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Krishan B Pathak Defenders: Amit Rohidas, Dipsan Tirkey, Varun Kumar, Surender Kumar, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Mandeep Mor Midfielders: SK Uthappa, Sardar Singh (captain), Sumit Nilakanta Sharma, Simranjeet Singh Forwards: Gurjant Singh, Ramandeep Singh (vice-captain), Talwinder Singh, Sumit Kumar, Shilanand Lakra