Which players can be used as backup for Harmanpreet Singh in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023?

Which players can be used as backup for Harmanpreet Singh in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023

The Mega Hockey event begins in 4 days at Bhuvaneshwar and Rourkela

The FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 at Bhuvaneshwar and Rourkela will get underway in just 4 days time and the hosts are looking to win the tournament for the first time since 1975. India hosted the event last year too but couldn’t land the trophy but this year, there is a sense of optimism that the National sport will be won at the International level.

Before India goes out all guns blazing against Spain in their opening match on 13th January, we must know about the squad depth of the team especially in terms of defense. Captain Harmanpreet Singh will lead the contingent in the WC and a lot depends upon his performance.

He turned 27 just 3 days ago and his form will be very crucial if India is to keep the World cup trophy home. One of the reasons of Harmanpreet Singh’s important in the team is the array of skills he brings in. He has a very good technique of feinting his opponents and find the goal.

126 goals in 164 Senior matches for India is not bad for a defender. He carries the DNA of a team player who contributes unselfishly in every sector of the field.

The Punjab-born defender had hopes of becoming a forward while growing up but eventually turned into an efficient defender who helps in the build up play, a penalty corner specialist and with impeccable drag flicking skills. Due to his spirit, he was appointed as the captain to lead in the WC and he has a heavy weightage of expectations on his shoulders.

Though, he has a group of solid players around him the position and they will have to compliment the team in order to go forward. So before we see them go off on the turf against Spain on January 13, lets check upon the other defenders in the team. 

Jarmanpreet Singh

The 26-year-old Punjab born defender had a lot of potential as a youngster and was always expected to be a star defender in future. In 2015, Punjab Warriors picked him for their team in the Hockey India League but Jarmanpreet failed to clear a dope test for the HIL as he tested positive for an anabolic steroid and received a 2-year-ban from the National Anti-Doping Agency. But after serving the ban, he returned in the team after a string of outstanding performances, becoming an integral part of the Silver medal winning team in 2018 Champions Trophy. Since then he has regularly played for the team. Jarmanpreet Singh has supreme fitness with exceptional abilities under pressure situations. The 26-year-old reads the game very well with sensible positioning on the field while oppositions penetrate inside the box. He is also a smart, energetic and creative Defender much like Harmanpreet Singh and Jarmanpreet also has a strong mentality which will be needed during the course of the FIH Hockey World cup 2023. 

Surender Kumar

Surender Kumar is another defender who will act as a backup for Harmanpreet Singh. The 29-year-old defender made his senior debut for India in 2013 and since then he has been a part of various medal winning sides. Unlike Jarmanpreet and Harmanpreet, Surender Kumar is an orthodox and reliable defender who remains rock solid. He has adhered to the  modern demands of Hockey which is extremely quick and rapid. He has earned 172 caps for India and scored 4 goals. Surender is mainly used for defensive purposes. The fullback’s presence in the defensive line is very crucial as his dedication and commitment is second to none. The 29-year-old has immense experience under his belt and won 8 medals for India including the Olympics Bronze in 2020. With Harmanpreet and Jarmanpreety playing an advanced role, Surender Kumar will try to sweep any threat coming from the opposition’s attack. 

Varun Kumar 

Varun Kumar became a prominent name in Indian hockey after a being a part of the Gold medal winning 2016 Indian Junior Hockey world cup team. He made his debut following the tournament during India’s tour of Europe in 2017. Varun comes from the reputed Surjit Singh hockey academy and he has helped the team to win a total of 10 medals. The 27-year-old has a knack of scoring goals as well. He has been able to score 29 goals in 118 appearances for India and his grit will be very important for India in the World cup. 

Nilam Sanjeep Xess is another promising youngster who broke into the national team in 2016 and won the Silver Medal during the South Asian Games in the same year. He has made 34 appearances for India until now scoring 5 goals on the way. He is one of the youngest players in the team but his defensive techniques are really good. Although it remains to be seen if he will directly break into the playing 11 because Graham Reid might choose other senior players than him but Nilam’s character is why Reid can trust him in pressure situations.