Coach swap didn't affect us: Rani

Bengaluru, DHNS: Rani Rampal, who will return from a break to lead the Indian women's hockey team during their tour of Spain from June 12, stressed that the team is not affected by the coaches-swap.

The Indian eves are once again being trained by Sjoerd Marijne, who earlier coached them for over six months in 2017 before being appointed the men's coach. Rani said the focus will be on improving as a team and nothing else.

"We gave him (Marijne) a good reception. Over the years, we have understood how the system works here. So many coaches have changed and we aren't going to let that affect us. Ultimately, it is the players who have to perform and coaches can only offer tips from the sidelines. So it is better we focus on ourselves," Rani told reporters here at Sports Authority of India, Southern Centre.

Rani said the team had no problem in getting adjusted to Marijne's style of coaching. "Actually he is not a new coach to us. We have worked with him before for around six months and we know him well. It's good that we got someone whom we know. It's better than working with an entirely new coach. That would have taken us more time to get adjusted," she said.

Goalkeeper Savita has been named vice-captain while youngster Swati has been called up as the back-up goalkeeper.

The match series against the Spanish side is seen as a preparation for the World Cup which begins from July 7 in London.

Goalkeepers: Savita (VC), Swati
Defenders: Sunita Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Suman Devi Thoudam, Deepika, Gurjit Kaur, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam
Midfielders: Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz, Monika, Neha Goyal, Navjot Kaur, Nikki Pradhan
Forwards: Rani (C), Vandana Katariya, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, Udita, Anupa Barla.