PR Sreejesh is known as the Wall of the Indian men’s hockey team.
The 27-year-old Indian goalkeeper effected two crucial saves in the shootout, which saw India outduel the Netherlands 8-7 (5-5) and propelled the side to a bronze medal finish in the Hockey World League Final Round in Raipur.
The Kerala lad has emerged an integral part of the national team, coming to the rescue of the side on numerous occasions churning out breathtaking saves. Employed with the Kerala state government, Sreejesh will have a big role to play in the 2016 Rio Olympics. He talks about his improvement areas and much more in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.
Excerpts:
How satisfying was it playing a part in the India team winning a bronze medal in the Hockey World League Final Round in Raipur – our first medal in a FIH tourney after a gap of 33 years?
I think beating a world number two side like the Netherlands in a shootout especially after we trailed 0-2 at half-time, will surely give the team a lot of confidence. We led 5-3 in the dying moments before the Dutch struck twice to push the contest into a shootout. Beating such a top team was more significant than winning a FIH medal after a gap of 33 years.
People have started calling you the ‘Wall’ of Indian hockey – like famed cricketer Rahul Dravid. How does it feel?
It feels good to be called the ‘Wall’ but at the same time, it enhances expectations from me to deliver consistently for my team. I feel humbled by this sobriquet.
Do you think the Indian defence are beginning to fix the loose ends and coming out on the pitch as a more confident unit than ever before?
I think our defence has really improved in leaps and bounds over the last two-three years. The likes of Raghunath, Rupinder, Kothajit and Birendra have been playing together for a long while now – Raghunath has become a strong pillar in our defence in recent months.
There is always room for improvement for any player – how would you assess our goalkeeping skills?
I believe I need to improve in every area of goalkeeping. I tend to make more saves in field play but need to do the same in shootouts and penalty corners. I always want to raise the improvement bar, and hopefully I will be ready for the Rio Olympics.
How do you see the hockey talent pool in your home state Kerala?
There is no dearth of talent in Kerala – the only issue is we have too many associations functioning and it is not a good sign for the development of the players as youngsters from unrecognised associations need a proper platform to play for the country.
Do you think the team‘s forward line is its weak spot?
I won’t say so – our forwardline needs to work hard like I have to in my goalkeeping department. Our strikers are creating chances and I think they need to convert half chances into goals. I don’t think we need to be alarmingly worried about our forwardline. We still have nine months for the Rio Olympics and I’m sure our forwards will turn over a new leaf.
Indian team have beaten all top teams in last two years – something that did not happen for many years. Do you think all these top teams take India seriously?
There is no doubt about that. All these big teams – Australia, Germany and Netherlands – know we are a rapidly improving side and all these teams want to play against India.
