New Delhi
Varun Kumar, a key defender, has made a comeback to the Indian men’s hockey team on Sunday, for the two-match Test series against Germany set for Oct 23 and 24 in New Delhi. Varun had missed both the Paris Olympics and the Asian Champions Trophy due to allegations of sexual misconduct by a former junior volleyball player. He was charged under the Pocso (Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences) Act in February. After being acquitted of all charges, he is back in the squad.
The team will be led by Captain Harmanpreet Singh, with Vivek Sagar Prasad as his deputy. Midfielder Hardik Singh will not be part of the squad as he is recovering from an injury he suffered during the Paris Olympics.
The series will see the debut of Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lalage, who have impressed during training sessions. Mandeep Singh, who was rested during the Asian Champions Trophy, also makes a return to the forward line.
Chief coach Craig Fulton said, “We are excited to face Germany here in New Delhi. India and Germany have a strong rivalry, and we are ready for the challenge. The team is experienced, with several players from the Olympic bronze medal-winning squad.”
BOX
Squad
Goalkeepers: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera.
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Varun Kumar, Sanjay, Sumit, Nilam Sanjeep Xess.
Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad (VC), Vishnu Kant Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Shamsher Singh, Mohd. Raheel Mouseen, Rajinder Singh.
Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Aditya Arjun Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra.
