"He is one of our best players, there's no doubt about it. But he has to address all the disciplinary issues first. We will consider him after that," the former Olympian said.
In a clear message that indiscipline will not be tolerated, senior midfielder Gurbaj Singh, who was accused of creating disharmony within the team, has been axed from the squad for the Europe tour.
Hockey India's (HI) special committee had, on July 24, recommended disciplinary action against Gurbaj for his alleged indiscipline with the coaching staff. He was also accused of creating groupism within the team. Taking stern action on that, the selection committee omitted Gurbaj from the 21-member squad that will play two matches against France and three against Spain in their 15-day tour starting July 31.
"There is no place for indiscipline in the team," Harbinder Singh, member of the selection committee told dna on Monday. "Based on the recommendations of the special committee, we decided to remove Gurbaj from the team till he improves his attitude. Indiscipline will not be tolerated at any cost, be it the senior-most member of the team or the junior-most."
However, Harbinder said Gurbaj would be considered after he addresses the issues.
"He is one of our best players, there's no doubt about it. But he has to address all the disciplinary issues first. We will consider him after that," the former Olympian said.
Of the squad that finished fourth in the Hockey World League Semifinals in Antwerp, Mumbai's Yuvraj Walmiki, Manpreet Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, Satbir Singh and Gurmail Singh were left out.
Those who've made a comeback are ace dragflicker VR Raghunath, Kothajit Singh, Gurjinder Singh (defenders), SK Uthappa, Danish Mujtaba (midfielders), SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh and Talwinder Singh (strikers). Young forward Mohd Amir Khan has made it to the team for the first time.
"We need to give exposure to as many players as possible before the 2016 Rio Olympics. That is why we have selected a 21-member squad. Guys like Yuvraj and Manpreet are quite experienced. We will test players who don't have enough international exposure on this tour," Harbinder said.
This tour will be HI high-performance director Roelant Oltmans's first assignment as chief coach of the team after the ouster of Paul Van Ass.
SQUAD
PR Sreejesh, H Singh, B Lakra, K Singh, VR Raghunath, J Singh, R Singh, G Singh, S Singh (C), C Singh, SK Uthappa, S Singh, D Mujtaba, D Walmiki, SV Sunil, R Singh, A Singh, M Singh, T Singh, L Upadhyay, M Khan
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