World Cup probables announced; Gurbaj recalled, Sandeep included

Out-of-favour midfielder Gurbaj Singh, talented UP boy Lalit Upadhyay and drag-flicker Sandeep Singh have managed to grab the attention of the national hockey selectors as the trio have been named among the 33 probables for the first phase of the national camp for the 2014 World Cup beginning at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.

Gurbaj was in rollicking form during the recently-held second HIL where he stole the show with two Man of the Match awards for triumphant Delhi Waveriders, while Lalit Upadhyay made a huge impression for Kalinga Lancers. Sandeep was in blazing form emerging as the top goal-scorer of the 2nd HIL, producing an encore of 2013 HIL.

Mandeep Singh, who pulled out of the 2^nd HIL with a waist injury, seems to be recovered and is named among the probables.Harjot Singh, who had a great time under the cage for Kalinga Lancers in the 2^nd HIL also finds his name among the probables.

The selectors have also given a call-up to the likes of Vikas Pillay, Jasjit Singh and Devinder Walmiki - brother of Yuvraj Walmiki. Danish Mujtaba marks a return to the national fold after a long injury lay-off, while Gurwinder Singh Chandi, who is recuperating from a long injury lay-off has not been picked in the 33 probables.

The camp will run till April 10 before the team embarks on an exposure tour of the Netherlands. The World Cup will be held in The Hague, Netherlands from May 31 to June 15.

The Probables

Goalkeepers: PR Sreejesh, Harjot Singh, Sushant Tirkey; Defenders:Gurbaj Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, V R Raghunath, Birendra Lakra, Gurmail Singh, Kothajit Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Gurinder Singh, Sandeep Singh, Vikram Kanth; Midfielders: S K Uthappa, Dharamvir Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Kangujam, Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Danish Mujtaba, Satbir Singh, Devinder Sunil Walmiki, Vikas Pillay, Jasjit Singh; Forwards:Nikkin Thimmaiah, Nithin Thimmaiah, S V Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Affan Yousuf, Yuvraj Walmiki, Talwinder Singh, Lalit Upadhyay.