Ipoh (Malaysia), May 05: With almost all the teams bringing in new-look squads, India would target their fifth Sultan Azlan Shah trophy but will have to overcome some stiff resistance from world champions Australia and Asian champions South Korea on the way.
India, the defending champions and four time winners, will play China in their campaign opener tomorrow and will clash with traditional rival Pakistan here on Friday.
India’s squad is well balanced with Sreejesh and Bharat Chetri guarding the goal post. The deep defence will be in the hands of Dhananjay Mahadik, Bharat Chikara and two rookie drag-flickers – 18-year old Amit Prabhakar and Rupinder Pal Singh — while the versatile Sardar Singh is expected to lend stability in the dual role of defender and playmaker.
The mid-field quintet has seen the return of former skipper Prabodh Tirkey and Ravi Pal Singh.
–PTI