Injury plagues key players, Manpreet to lead inexperienced Indian side

Manpreet will be assisted by a new defender Surender Kumar in this year's Azlan Shah Cup to be held in Malaysia from March 23 to 30.

‘Team Eager to Defend Gold at Asian Games’

Rupinder remained in the national camp to work on his fitness.

India captain Sreejesh P.R. spoke about taking the confidence from the New Zealand series to the upcoming Asian Games.

The series is part of the Asian Games build-up for the Men in Blue. India had won the first match 4-2.

New Zealand did try to make a comeback in the last quarter through Jenness but by then it was a little too late for them.

Not tinkering much with the combination that fetched silver at the Champions Trophy in Holland, India made just two changes to the side.

India’s most recent outing was at last year’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh where they won.

India also play Belgium and New Zealand apart from Japan in two separate five-day series.

The home team now have 17 points from four games and Delhi are still winless after three games.

Rupinder Pal Singh revealed that he had to spend long hours on the training ground, in order to perfect his drag-flick skills.