Gurbaj, Nikkin, Manpreet axed; Raghunath makes return

Amidst the negativity that has gripped Indian hockey since the past few days, a 21-member squad for the 15-day European tour was announced on Monday, with some key changes from the side that finished fourth at the recent Hockey World League Semi-Finals in Belgium.

Gurbaj Singh, against whom Hockey India's Special Committee has recommended disciplinary action for misbehaviour with the coaching staff and creating disharmony, was the notable omission. Also getting the chop were midfielder Manpreet Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Satbir Singh, Gurmail Singh and Yuvraj Walmiki.

Ace dragflicker V R Ragunath, who missed out the last tournament due to an injury, makes a comeback. Defenders Kothajit Singh and Gurjinder Singh, midfielders S K Uthappa and Danish Mujtaba, and strikers SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Talwinder Singh, too, have been recalled in the squad that plays its first game against France on August 3. Forward Mohd Amir Khan is the only new face in the team.

Sardar Singh will continue to captain the side while goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be his deputy.

The squad was selected following the preparatory camp under Roelant Oltmans who took the coaching reins following the unceremonious exit of Paul Van Ass. The camp was held in Shilaroo from July 19.

“It’s a very important series for us as this will be a base for us to understand how we perform and deliver as a unit and the grey areas to be improved before the FIH World League Finals. The next step is the Rio Olympics 2016. Hence, from here on, all tournaments are very important for us, as we have to keep working and growing as a team,” said Oltmans.

India are scheduled to play two matches against France and three against Spain.

The squad: Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh. Defenders: Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, VR Raghunath, Jasjit Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurjinder Singh. Midfielders: Sardar Singh, Chinglensana Singh, SK Uthappa, Satbir Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Devinder Walmiki. Forwards: SV Sunil, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Talwinder Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Mohd Amir Khan

The schedule: August 3: India vs France in Le Touquet; August 5: India vs France in Wattigies Sports Centre; August 10: India vs Spain in Junior FC; August 12: India vs Spain in Junior FC; August 13: India vs Spain in RC Polo.