Include Varkey, Ballal -- Kaushik

Include Varkey, Ballal -- Kaushik

Maharaj Kishan Kaushik, who coached the '98 Bangkok Asian Games gold medal-winning Indian hockey team, feels the present team is in need of experienced players like Sabu Varkey and Ashish Ballal as ``they would have boosted the chances of a medal at the Sydney Olympics.''

As for Varkey, Kaushik, feels: ``He is the best attacker-cum-defender at the moment. He is the best utility player to have in any side.''

Ashish Ballal, Kaushik, says is the sort of goalkeeper who could have lifted the team's morale in a tense situation. ``I have been saying for long now that Ballal is the most competent goalkeeper in India. I wonder why he has not been included in the squad.''

``Fullback Anil Aldrin, the penalty corner expert, should also have been given a chance to continue. He still has plenty of hockey left in him. Even the services of Sandeep Somesh should been taken,'' Kaushik, who was here to attend the Haryana state Bhim Award function, said.

Talking about India's chances in the Sydney Olympics, Kaushik said, ``I am not saying we cannot win but we have to improve our tactics and strategies. After studying the videotapes of all teams and analysing the rivals' moves and tactics, the Indian think-tank must chalk out the strategy for every match,'' he advised.

``For example, we must analyse how Spain take penalty corners. We should counter it with full force. We should not allow them to force penalty corners as their corner conversion rate is also high,'' he warned.

``To qualify from our pool, we have to beat either Spain, Korea or Australia. At least a victory and a draw against these three teams is a must. We should not face any problem in overcoming Argentina and Polland, the other teams in our pool though,'' Kaushik said.

``Going by the fitness reports, our players' fitness level has improved, which is a good sign. I think, the services of a good physical trainer should have been employed the day India won the '98 Asiad gold,'' Kaushik rounded off, wishing the team good luck.