Coach Colaco defends axing seniors

Colaco had raised quite a few eyebrows when he gave the boot to 14 senior players in the World Cup second-round qualifiers squad but he reasoned that youngsters need to be groomed by giving international exposure if India has to do well in the future.

“Youngsters need experience and for that there has to be a beginning. I have a lot of respect for the seniors and they will get a call back if they perform well. But then again, I have to make a start, and the federation will stand by me,” Colaco told reporters in his maiden press conference after becoming the national coach.

Asked about the inclusion of Mahesh Gawli and Sameer Naik -- both in their thirties -- among the probables, Colaco said: “Sameer is a senior player and a team man. And as far Mahesh is concerned, he is one of the best defenders. Though I feel sorry for Deepak Mondal (injured).”