Indian skipper PR Sreejesh continues to battle with the injury that he suffered during his side’s win the Asian Champions Trophy last month, and the captaincy armband has now been passed over to drag-ficker VR Raghunath for the four-nation tournament in Australia.
Raghunath, one of India’s most experienced players, was rested for the ACT. Sreejesh suffered an injury during the semi-final against Malaysia and saw game-time being restricted during the tournament. India’s other drag-flicker, Rupinder Pal Singh, will be the vice-captain.
In Sreejesh’s absence, Akash Chikte, who was in excellent form in the ACT, will be manning India’s goal while Uttar Pradesh’s Abhinav Kumar Pandey will be his No. 2, “Abhinav [Kumar Pandey] 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,” Indian coach Roelant Oltmans was quoted as saying PTI.
Forwards SV Sunil and and Ramandeep Singh have also been ruled out of the tournament after suffering injuries. Sunil has not featured for India since the Rio Olympics. “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 ahead of the Junior World Cup,” Oltmans added, shedding light on India’s injury woes.
The eight-time Olympic gold medalists welcome back midfielder Mandeep Singh along with Akaashdeep Singh, after they were rested for the ACT. The four-nation tournament starts in Australia on November 23 and will feature the hosts, Malaysia, and New Zealand alongside India.