Indian hockey team can heave a sigh of relief over injured Rupinder Pal Singh

Rupinder Pal Singh

The inclusion of only one drag-flicker in the Indian men’s team for the Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-finals in Belgium has set tongues wagging about whether it a risky proposition going into a big-ticket event. And when Vokkaliga Raghunath – originally picked as the lone flicker in the side – sustained a hamstring injury, a lifeline was handed to Rupinder Pal Singh, whose initial omission took many by surprise.

As things panned out, Rupinder Pal Singh appeared to be in good form during India’s warm-up games before he sustained an injury, which forced him out of his side’s tournament opener against France. He scored 3 goals in 4 warm-up matches. India sans any regular drag-flicker, took on France, who were pushing the men in blue hard showing that winning those three points won’t come on a platter.

Of course, Manpreet Singh, came to the rescue, scoring his maiden drag-flick goal, probably giving coach Paul van Ass wider options to choose from. But, no one can deny that a regular drag-flicker is a ‘must’ for the team and India are sweating over availability of Rupinder in the upcoming games so that India can pack more punch in their short corners and this is not to belittle Manpreet, who did a fabulous job against France.

Rupinder is hopeful of returning to action for the game against Poland on Tuesday.

“I’m getting better and hope to play against Poland. Keeping my fingers crossed,” Rupinder told a correspondent from Belgium.

The burly fullback injured while taking a penalty corner during the team’s third warm-up tie against USA, which they won 4-0.

“I took a penalty corner and USA’s first defender’s knee hit my back even as I was unbalanced,” he revealed.

Indian hockey fans will be hoping Rupinder takes the pitch against Poland or is at least fully fit for the crunch games against arch-rivals Pakistan and world champions Australia, slated for June 26 and June 28 respectively. Rupinder’s words must be comforting for the Indian camp as, at least, we know his injury is not a serious one. India can ill-afford any more injuries as three of its main players – SV Sunil, Kothajit Singh and Raghunath – were forced out of the world league owing to different injuries.