Last Updated: January 22, 2023, 07:26 IST
Graham Reid (Hockey India Image)
Reid Graham backed Rajkumar Pal, who has come as a alternative participant for injured Hardik Singh, to carry out effectively on the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup
Ahead of their Crossover stage match towards New Zealand within the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup, India coach Reid Graham on Saturday backed skilful Rajkumar Pal, who has come as a alternative participant for injured Hardik Singh, to carry out effectively and referred to as him one of many future stars.
After ending second of their group courtesy a under par 4-2 win over Wales of their final sport, hosts face New Zealand in a must-win match on Sunday with a spot within the quarterfinals on the road. However, they may miss the companies of key midfielder Hardik Singh, who needed to withdraw from the match due to a hamstring damage he suffered in direction of the top of the match towards England.
Hardik was the fulcrum of the midfield and the very best participant within the crew as India put up an outstanding defensive show, shutting out the English. Hardik was all around the midfield, performing as the right hyperlink between the forwards and defenders.
His absence was felt within the match towards Wales because the forwards did get the suitable provide of passes as they went on the assault however the Indian coach is assured in regards to the capability of the alternative in Rajkumar.
“Hardik is an effective participant and in superb kind. But Raj can also be in good kind and one in all our future stars. Those who’ve watched the video games towards NZ earlier would have seen among the stuff he can do, so we’re assured. He could be very match, works very onerous in defence, has silky abilities and he’s dealing with the ball very effectively in the meanwhile. We have sufficient expertise to compensate,” coach Reid said in the pre-match press conference.
The coach admitted that it will be India who will be under pressure in their knock-out crossover match as New Zealand have nothing to lose. But, he also backed his players to come good.
“It’s true they have nothing to lose and pressure is on India. I also back my players to stand up under pressure and as I said earlier if we play our best, we can beat any team,” he stated.
Talking additional in regards to the opponent, the coach stated,” As an Australian myself, I know that New Zealand are always tough and we (India) have total respect for them. I am also confident that we will do our job (and win),” he added.
Notably, India beat New Zealand twice just some months in the past on the Kalinga Stadium within the Pro League matches and the 58-year outdated is hoping to repeat the consequence.
“We had crushed them twice then. Moreover, our defensive unit is extra settled (and higher) now than that point. So, we’re wanting ahead to the match,” Reid said.
During this World Cup,India have failed to convert their opportunities into goals. The Indians have entered the shooting circle on 76 occasions, but have managed to have only 37 shots at the goal and of which managed to score only six goals. They have earned 16 penalty corners but scored only three goals.
Asked about the issue, Reid said,”I agree that we’re missing in ending the alternatives we’ve got created. But I’d have been extra apprehensive had we not created alternatives. I’m assured that we’ll be higher in that facet additionally.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated news company feed)
