New Delhi, Nov 14 (NationPress) The defender and dragflicker Rohit, who delivered an impressive performance at the recent Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia, where the team clinched a silver medal, will be at the helm of the squad for the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu 2025. This highly anticipated tournament is set to kick off from November 28 to December 10 in Chennai and Madurai.

Regrettably, India will be without the seasoned Araijeet Singh Hundal, who is sidelined due to a shoulder injury and will not participate in the Junior World Cup.

Coach Sreejesh remarked on the team's composition, stating, "We have assembled a reliable team, most of whom possess a solid understanding of what it takes to compete in a tournament of this scale. In addition to their physical prowess, skills, and teamwork, we have prioritized their mental resilience to perform under pressure."

He added, "Having gained valuable international match experience leading up to the Junior World Cup, our players have also engaged in numerous matches with the Senior India team, as we are stationed in the same campus at SAI, Bengaluru. This aspect has been crucial for our preparations, and when players excel against their senior teammates, it boosts their confidence. Overall, we are optimistic and looking forward to a commendable performance in front of our home crowd."

India is placed in Pool B alongside Chile, Switzerland, and Oman, which has stepped in as a replacement for Pakistan.

The squad includes goalkeepers Bikramjit Singh and Princedeep Singh, with the defense featuring Rohit as the captain, supported by Amir Ali, a veteran from the last Junior World Cup, alongside Anmol Ekka, Talem Priyo Barta, Sunil Palakshappa Bennur, and Shardanand Tiwari.

The midfield comprises Ankit Pal, Adrohit Ekka, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Manmeet Singh, and Rosan Kujur, while the forwards include Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Arshdeep Singh, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh, and Gurjot Singh, who made his senior debut at the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China.

Alternates include Ravneet Singh and Rohit Kullu.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Bikramjit Singh, Princedeep Singh

Defenders: Rohit, Talem Priyobarta, Anmol Ekka, Amir Ali, Sunil Palakshappa Bennur, Shardanand Tiwari

Midfielders: Ankit Pal, Thounaojam Ingalemba Luwang, Adrohit Ekka, Rosan Kujur, Manmeet Singh, Gurjot Singh

Forwards: Arshdeep Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Ajeet Yadav, Dilraj Singh

Reserves: Ravneet Singh, Rohit Kullu