With goalkeeper PR Sreejesh being left out due to an injury, in his place experienced drag-flicker V R Raghunath will return to the squad to lead the Indian men's hockey team in the four-nation tournament in Australia later this month.
Raghunath, who was rested in last month's Asian Champions Trophy, will captain the 18-member squad in the absence of Sreejesh, who is recuperating from a knee injury sustained during the semi-final of the ACT against Korea in Kuantan, Malaysia.
After India's successful campaign in the Asian Champions Trophy where they beat rivals Pakistan in the final, the Indian hockey team will head Down Under for the four-nation tournament starting November 23 followed by a Test series against hosts Australia.
The responsibilities of his deputy will be shouldered by defender and drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh who showcased splendid form and was adjudged top scorer at ACT.
Akash Chikte who came up with outstanding performance in the final of ACT will be India's custodian in Melbourne, Australia where they play the hosts, Malaysia and New Zealand. The second goal keeper will be Abhinav Kumar Pandey from Uttar Pradesh. "Abhinav has been in and out of the camps. He has had a knee injury for a while but has made a strong comeback and we are pleased with his performance in this camp," said chief coach Roelant Oltmans.
Ace forward SV Sunil too will miss the tournament as he is yet to fully recover from the wrist injury he sustained at the Rio Olympics. Ramandeep Singh who replaced Sunil in ACT will also miss out due to injury. The injured duo will be replaced by Nikkin Thimmaiah and Sardar Singh.
Raghunath expressed that the team is upbeat and eager to face the challenge Down Under.