Top Indian Stars To Add Colour To HIL 2016
09 January New Delhi
The upcoming Hockey India League (HIL) will be highlighted by the presence of some of the biggest overseas and Indian hockey stars. Two time finalists Jaypee Punjab Warriors have retained SV Sunil, who was a part of the Hockey World League bronze medal winning Indian team. Sunil has 174 international caps and 56 international goals. Sunil will bring stability to the Punjab Warriors front line and will be a key player if Punjab is to again put up a good show at the league.
Indian Captain Sardar Singh, who moved from the Delhi Waveriders to Jaypee Punjab Warriors from Season 2016, has an experience of 236 international caps and has scored 14 international goals. Sardar was crucial for the great Indian victory at the recent Hockey World League Finals as he lead from the front.
27 year old Indian defender V R Raghunath, who represents Uttar Pradesh Wizards, will also be the player to watch out for. Raghunath, who has an impressive record of 203 international caps and 127 international goals, will not only be the key man protecting the goal but also will be the key danger to the opponents goal from the penalty corners.
The 25 year old defender from Jharkhand Birendra Lakra will be the key player for the defending champions Ranchi Rays. Ranchi Rays who have been miser in conceding goals in last years edition of the Hockey India League will be looking to do the same. Birendra Lakra with 123 international caps and 09 international goals is arguably one of the best players in the ranks of Ranchi Rays.
Vice Captain of the Indian team PR Sreejesh will be guarding the goal of the Uttar Pradesh Wizards and will be a force to reckon with in this years edition of the Hockey India League. Sreejesh, who is amongst the top goal keepers in the world is in the prime of his form with an excellent display at the Hockey World League Finals in December.
The combination of VR Raghunath and Sreejesh can be lethal in the defence and will be one of the biggest assets for the Uttar Pradesh Wizards franchise. The star studded tournament that will be played from January 18 to February 21 February will have some of the best players from the Indian team.