Change of guard: Sreejesh to lead hockey team in Olympics

In what is a sign of things to come in Indian hockey, goalkeeper Sreejesh P.R., it is learnt, is likely to be handed captaincy duties for the Rio Olympics ahead of regular skipper Sardar Singh.

Though a skipper doesn’t have the most important role to play in hockey, with the coach being responsible for strategies, rolling substitution and calling the shots, leading the side in the Olympics is a huge glory for any player.

The signs were imminent in the recent tournaments in London and Valencia, where India put up contrasting results.

The young, sprightly and experimental squad finished on the podium at the prestigious Champions Trophy under Sreejesh, who led by example. It was their best finish in the 38-year history of the tournament, and what stood out was a young India ready to fight despite the odds against them.

India matched every team in fitness, skills and even in their ability to fight. Sreejesh too enjoyed good form. One expected equally good results, if not better, as India fielded their full squad in the six-nation tournament at Valencia, Spain, a week later. Sardar — one of the most talented and skilled player in world hockey today — was back as skipper as were senior defender Rupinderpal Sin-gh and striker Ramandeep Singh.

And even though there were a few niggles and injuries, there was a sharp dip in the performance, and even body language. They returned home with only one win — that too against first-time Olympic qualifiers Ireland — and two draws and two losses.

Says a member of the think-tank, “A change of the guard was needed. This decision has been taken after a lot of discussions and deliberations and keeping in mind the team’s best interest.

“Perhaps Sardar can perform better without the extra burden of captaincy.”

It is important to mention that off-field issues too have surrounded Sardar, who has led the team since 2013. There are allegations of rape and domestic violence against him from a British girl of Indian origin, also a hockey player, even though no official complaint has been registered yet.

Besides, what seems to have gone in Sreejesh’s favour is his ability to lead the team with confidence, placing belief in youngsters and channelizing the team with positivity.

Says a player, “The very first thing he did after being named the captain for the Champions Trophy was call a meeting of all the players in Bengaluru.

“Each one of us were designated roles and told how important we were to the team’s success. The juniors too were asked to express themselves freely. It helped in creating a positive environment and had a lasting impact.”