A week after being part of the Indian squad at the Hockey World League Round 3, senior players Sandeep Singh and Shivendra Singh find themselves out of favour for the upcoming Asia Cup.
The Hockey India list of 48-probables for the ninth men’s Asia Cup, to be held at Ipoh (Malaysia) from August 24 to September 1, has several youngsters.
The list was finalised by Hockey India selectors B.P. Govinda, Savitri Purty, chief coach Michael Nobbs, scientific advisor Jason Konrath and government observer Harbinder Singh.
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It is surprising that the two, along with young forward Mandeep Singh, have gone from being part of the playing XI at Rotterdam to not finding a place even among the 48.
“The decision was purely on performance. In Shivendra’s case, we wanted someone experienced because Gurvinder Singh Chandi was out with injury, but he did not live up to expectations.
As for Sandeep, he has got enough chances but hasn’t justified his presence, either as a drag-flicker or a defender,” said chief selector Govinda.
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Seven goalkeepers
The list includes seven goalkeepers, nine defenders, 12 midfielders and 20 forwards. Another surprise inclusion is Danish Mujtaba as the player is still recovering from knee surgery and not likely to come back for a few months.
The preparatory camp will be held at SAI Centre, Bangalore, from July 16 to August 16. India is placed in Pool B with Korea, Bangladesh and Oman while Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan and Chinese-Taipei are in Pool A.