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Indian hockey team forward Yuvraj Walmiki has expressed dismay at the absence of striker SV Sunil from the Hockey World League semis squad. Sunil will miss the tournament due to injury.
“I think we will miss him on the field as he is the speed demon of the team. The way he tears through the heart of the opponents defence is remarkable,” said Yuvraj.
“But I think we need to learn on playing under situations where key players have to miss out because of reasons beyond anyone's control.”
The Walmiki family will have two representatives in the national squad with Devindar Walmiki joining brother Yuvraj. The elder brother expressed his delight at his brother’s selection in the team saying it is a “dream come true”.
Yuvraj said, “I am fortunate to be part of this important tournament and it becomes more special as I will be playing along with my brother Devindar Walmiki.”
“This is like a dream come true as we always spoke about representing the country together and this dream is soon to get realised.”
“I am learning the skills and defending tactics”
The 25-year old elaborated on the change in tactics that coach Paul van Ass has integrated in the team. He said that all the players take part in defence, shutting out opponents as a team.
“Under the new Chief Coach Paul van Ass, we are learning how to change our game from attack to defend in a matter of a few seconds. All the players are now part of the Team's defensive strategies and I am learning the skills and defending tactics,” he said.
“This I think will work in our favour as we change our game plan as per the situation now. The players have no set boundaries now and each one is responsible towards the going-on, on the field.”
India, in Group A alongside Poland, France, Australia and Pakistan, open their campaign against France in the first match of the tournament on 20th June.
