Key players of India’s 18-man squad for the Junior World Cup:
hardest hitter, a drag-flicker
India have three or four options from penalty corners but the team’s vice-captain Sanjay is one of the best drag-flickers in the team. He is regarded as one of the hardest hitters of the ball in the country including senior players. His flicks are power-packed and he is able to find corners on a regular basis, which makes it difficult to stop. Shardanand Tiwari is another good choice for India on the set-piece.
master of midfield
India are spoiled for options in the midfield but the focus will be on 19-year-old Vishnu Kant Singh. He is known for his exceptional stick skills, has sharp hands and has impressed coaches with his decision making skills on the ball. The Uttar Pradesh midfielder has been with the team for the last three years and can also play as a centre-half.
My best wishes and best wishes to the junior Indian men’s hockey team @FIH_hockey Junior World Cup is starting from tomorrow. Hope you all will make our country proud.#IndiaKaGame #rising stars #JWC2021 pic.twitter.com/6Mu4SndWnX
— Rani Rampal (@imranirampal) November 23, 2021
Prasad, Creative Outlet
Vivek Sagar Prasad made his senior team debut at an age when most others would fight for a place in the junior team. In 2018, at the age of 17, he became the second youngest player to represent India. Now he will captain the junior team. The Crafty center-half is the team’s creative outlet. He is constantly moving, making space and making himself available to receive passes. He will be a key player for India in this tournament.
hundal, long forward
At around 6-foot-3-inches, Arijit Singh Hundal is the tallest player in the forward line, and one of the tallest strikers to have played for India. He has a powerful shot on both the forehand and backhand, and his height gives him a huge advantage in terms of reach. India’s forward has not been around long and Hundal could potentially be that player for the team.
Hunter
Sudeep Chiramako is partnering with Hundal, one of the tiniest players on the field. The Sundergarh striker proved his mettle during the Youth Olympics, displaying excellent goal-scoring skills and a very good hockey brain, with a knack for getting into the right positions at the right times.
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India’s schedule (Pool B):
24 November: vs France, 8 p.m.
November 25: vs Canada, 7.30 pm
27 November: vs Poland, 7.30 pm
Knockout Round:
quarter finals: December 1st;
Semifinals: December 3;
Final: December 5
Group stage matches live on: https://watch.hockey/
Knockout Match Live on Star Sports Network
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