Paris Olympics, hockey: In Fulton’s final squad, safe choices, some questions over attackers, a dash of creativity
The Olympics might not be a platform for a leap of faith but at some level, Craig Fulton was expected to make one or two bold choices for the Paris Games, especially in the forward-line and midfield.Instead, when the chief coach revealed his squad on Wednesday after a two-day selection trial – which was a mere formality – he named the tried and tested players in what can best be described as conservative team selection.
Too safe in attack?
The most contentious choices are in the forward line. Lalit Upadhyay and Mandeep Singh, who have served the team with distinction for close to a decade, were integral to the team’s return to the Olympic podium three years ago in Tokyo.
But in the shortened Olympic cycle, they haven’t always been at their peak. A lot of India’s field goals in the recen...