India's departure for the FIH World League semi-finals in Antwerp, Belgium, has been hit by injuries with defender VR Raghunath's hamstring pulling up at the wrong time - leaving him out of the 18-member squad.
India had decided to tour with just one drag-flicker in Raghunath when the squad was announced. And they still will have only one as Rupinder Pal Singh, who was initially dropped, comes in to replace Raghunath.
Coach Paul van Ass has said he wants to try a few variations with penalty corners and also wants his players to learn with a situation where they have just one penalty corner specialist with the team.
While Raghunath's injury is unfortunate, it did throw a lifeline to Rupinder who was unlucky to be be left out of the 18 earlier. But that's not the only blow India suffered just a fortnight before the tournament begins on June 20.
Other than Raghunath, forwards SV Sunil (shin) and Kothajit Singh (ankle) too suffered injuries on the training pitch, forcing their exclusion from the squad. Hockey India has named Satbir Singh and Devinder Walmiki as the two other replacements apart from Rupinder.
But Gurbaj Singh had a lucky escape when a hit on the nose left him and the team concerned. However, despite a fracture, he will be fit to take the field in Belgium.
“Key players may get injured and it can happen before big tournaments, we must accept it. But it comes as an opportunity for those in waiting," Van Ass said as the team practised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi on Friday.
India are trying to strategise afresh under the new coach, and Van Ass said he will assess where the team stands after the four practice games ahead of the tournament in Belgium. "We will play four practice matches before the tournament begins, followed by games against France and Poland. I can [then] take a position on that [new strategies].
India are pooled alongside Australia, Pakistan, France and Poland - scheduled to open their campaign on June 20 against France.
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