'Rested' Manpreet misses out on core probables spot

Former India skipper Manpreet Singh on Thursday did not even make the list of 33 core probables let alone the Indian hockey team that will take part in the Rourkela and Hobart legs of the FIH Pro League in February.

- Sandip Sikdar

HT had reported earlier this week that the 33-year-old, who has been a core member of the team ever since his debut in 2011, will not make the cut despite being in top form. The official reason being given is that the two-time Olympic bronze medallist has been rested.

Other important names missing from the probables list are goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak and forward Dilpreet Singh. “Post the Hockey India League (HIL), we felt this was the right time to rotate the squad. We've rested a few senior players to manage workload while rewarding performances from players who've earned their opportunity,” India chief coach Craig Fulton said. “The Pro League legs in Rourkela and Hobart are an important part of the selection process as we move towards finalising the World Cup and Asian Games squad.”