Hockey India sacks Rajpal Singh as captain

Zeenews Bureau

If at all you thought that all was well with Indian Hockey post revolt, then wait. In an unprecedented move just at the stroke of World Cup which India is hosting the federation has sacked skipper Rajpal Singh. Instead experienced forward Prabhjot Singh was named captain of the Indian hockey team for this month`s World Cup in place of Rajpal Singh. An 18-member squad, which will have as many as four vice-captains, has been finalised for the high profile event to be held from February 28 to March 13. Goalkeeper Adrian D`Souza, Deepak Thakur, Arjun Halappa and Rajpal Singh have been appointed as vice-captains, an unprecedented step in Indian hockey. Although Hockey India has not yet formally announced the team, a top source said that three players have been kept as standbyes. S V Sunil, who suffered a knee injury, has not been included in the squad which will take on arch rivals Pakistan in its opening match on February 28. Prabhjot, who was at the forefront in the recent players` rebellion demanding pay hikes and incentives, has been given the responsibility to lead the team in place of Rajpal under whom the team enjoyed mixed fortunes. S V Sunil, who suffered a knee injury, has not been included in the squad which will take on arch rivals Pakistan in its opening match on February 28. The squad has two goalkeepers in Adrian D`Souza and P R Sreejesh, three defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards. Ace drag flicker and former captain Sandeep Singh who has been recovering from an injury has been included in the squad. Apart from Rajpal, Shivendra Singh, Tushar Khandker, Prabhjot Singh, Sarwanjit Singh, Deepak Thakur and Gurvinder Singh Chandi are the other forwards. The Squad: Goalkeepers: Adrian D`Souza, P R Sreejesh Defenders: Sandeep Singh, Dhananjay Mahadik, Diwakar Ram Midfielders: Gurbaj Singh, Sardar Singh, Bharat, Arjun Halappa, Danish Mujtaba, Vikram Pillay Forwards: Rajpal Singh, Shivendra Singh, Tushar Khandker, Prabhjot Singh, Sarwanjit Singh, Deepak Thakur, Gurvinder Singh Chandi. PTI