Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Sanjay confident of leading Indian team with a blend of experience & youth

Bengaluru: 'Strong defence for a stronger attack' has been one of the main mantra's of Craig Fulton, the head coach of the Indian men's hockey team. While this has enabled the squad to work as a unit, the South African's other ideology of never taking any opponent for granted, at any stage, is developing the national side into a formidable force. 

The coach's belief being inculcated in the thinking of every player is evident when Sanjay -- the Indian captain for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup starting November 23 in Ipoh, Malaysia -- is questioned about who their toughest opponent at the event could be. 

"All the teams!," quips Sanjay, a response as swift as his defending skills.

"All of them are strong and each team have their own pattern of playing. If Belgium resort to zone play, Korea (play) man-to-man while New Zealand do a bit of both. So we have to get on to the field every day with a new plan and execute it well. We cannot take any team lightly. 

"If you take any team for granted in international hockey, the chances of losing will increase. But when we consider the opponents as strong then we will enter (the field) with full energy to give it our all," explains the 24-year-old.

This quality of analysing things at a deeper level while staying logical is perhaps the reason for the think-tank of Indian hockey to elevate Sanjay, with 70 caps and five goals for senior men's side so far, to the skipper's role for the 31st edition of the invitational event that will have Belgium, Canada, Korea, New Zealand and hosts Malaysia competing where the top two teams from the round-robin format will qualify for the final on November 30.

Keeping in mind the gruelling year ahead, many seniors are rested with the team comprising second-rung players along with a few youngsters. Among those missing is India's regular leader Harmanpreet Singh. 

"I have played under Harman paaji since I made my senior India debut (2023). He always motivates the players. For example, even if we are behind at half-time, he tells 'let the mistakes happen no problem, take risks, play with confidence, communicate with each other and play...'

"Even during the meetings he keeps instilling leadership qualities in all of us. 'Think like a leader, never hesitate to come forward and speak up and share your thoughts with every member so it benefits the team'. These are some of the qualities I like and admire about him and I will replicate it as a captain," offers Sanjay. 

With first choice goalkeepers Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera rested, Pawan and Mohith Honnenahalli Shashikumar will take guard. Similarly Aditya Arjun Lalage (forward), Moirangthem Singh (midfield) and Poovanna Chandura Boby (defender) are some of the other upcoming players included in the squad. 

"Even in the Olympics 2024, there were quite a few juniors and we produced results," points out Sanjay, who was part of the bronze-medal winning team at the Paris Games last year.  

"This team has a good blend of experience and the fitness of young players and we will work together to win the trophy. This is an opportunity to prove that Indian hockey is on its way to newer heights."