Chennai: There is a veneer of pragmatism in the selection of the hockey squad for the World Cup at Monchengladbach. The temptation to experiment has been consciously eschewed; the emphasis on experience is pronounced.

That 16 out of the 18 who figured in the podium finish at the Azlan Shah tournament remain in the squad is indicative of the importance placed on continuity. The bronze at Kuala Lumpur was moderate; yet it succeeded in bringing an element of confidence and self-belief. It was on these positive factors that the committee had worked on.

Lot to offer

In line for a hat-trick, Dilip Tirkey has a lot to offer as the most seasoned player. Misgivings over his fitness that surfaced before the Champions Trophy last December are a thing of the past. The veteran showed no discomfiture in the recent Independence Cup.

Tirkey's partner in the defence, Kanwalpreet Singh, is on his second World Cup. His way of handling pressure in high-voltage competition is a plus point.

It is incorrect to term drag-flicker Sandeep Singh the trump card. There is still a trace of inconsistency and lack of variation in his methods. But he has improved in one-on-one tackles.

Heartening fact

Heartening is the fact that Baskaran has moulded a special unit for penalty corners. Both Tirkey and Kanwalpreet take direct shots. A surprise choice is Arjun Halappa whose flicks can be as disconcerting as that of Sandeep's.

The midfield, the heart and soul of contemporary hockey, has been strengthened by the return of Ignace Tirkey, who is also on his second successive World Cup. With Baskaran emphatic about reserving the wings to V.S. Vinay and Prabodh Tirkey, the role of Ignace perforce will be that of a pivot.

Embarrassment of riches

It is an embarrassment of riches for Baskaran to have Ignace, Vikram Pillay, Viren Rasquinha, along with the newcomer Nitin Kumar, to be fielded as centre half-backs, or even pair them, in that role. A filament of concern does exist whether any set which Baskaran contemplates of using can be creative enough apart from defending the zone.

Creativity is the hallmark of the midfield, which players of the previous era like Ajitpal Singh and Vece Paes symbolised impeccably. Today this is one fraility that our National squad suffers from. Will Halappa, playing his second World Cup, be fitted in that role?

Lovely amalgam

The effectiveness of the frontline rests largely on the work of the midfield's creativity. The attack is probably the best available at this point of time — a lovely amalgam of freshness and competence. Shivendra Singh, Tushar Khandekar and Hariprasad represent the vigour and vivacity of youth, while the combination of Tejbir Singh, Rajpal Singh along with Gagan Ajit Singh lends a touch of stability and solidity.

Much depends on Gagan Ajit Singh who must regain the form he displayed at Amstelveen Champions Trophy and the Asian Games at Busan. Surprisingly for Gagan, Monchengladbach turns out to be his World Cup debut.

Will this team be able to meet the hopes and aspirations of millions yearning to see hockey on the medal path again? An intriguing poser indeed!

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