Sreejesh retained as captain for Asian Champions Trophy

Mid-fielder Manpreet Singh was named Sreejesh’s deputy in the 18-member squad announced by Hockey India (HI). The squad is a mix of young and experienced players. Star drag flicker V.R. Raghunath has been rested along with the forwardline duo of Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh while seasoned defender Birendra Lakra makes a come-back after an injury lay-off. Commenting on his side’s preparations, Sreejesh emphasised on playing with caution. “We may be the top ranked team in Asia right now but no team can be taken lightly. The defending Champions (Pakistan) are known to spring a surprise and Korea too will be a team to watch out for as they have been playing good quality hockey lately,” he said.

SQUAD: P.R Sreejesh (captain), Akash Chikte, Rupinder Pal Singh, Pardeep Mor, Jasjit Singh Kular, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam, Manpreet Singh (vice Captain), Sardar Singh, S.K. Uthappa, Devindar Walmiki, Talwinder Singh, S.V. Sunil, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Nikkin Thimmaiah and Affan Yousuf.