V.R. Raghunath optimistic for his comeback in the national team
V.R. Raghunath, the legendary drag-flicker and short corner master, is quite optimistic for his comeback into the national hockey team of India. In his views, the improved drag-flicking abilities and stiff defence in the ongoing Senior Hockey National Championship
will help him to make a comeback into the squad.
Having 67 international caps, Raghunath scored 41 goals in the professional career. He was part of the national team that lifted the 2010 Azlan Shah Cup in joint hands with South Korea. It is vital to mention here that Raghunath is current donning the colours
for Karnataka in the underway Senior National Hockey Championship and has converted nine short-corners into goals up to now.
It was not anyone else than Raghunath, who scored the golden goal in the extra-time period to carry Karnataka into the semi-final stage of the championship. Raghunath and Sandeep Singh are the highest scorers of the championship with 10 goals each.
Additionally, he was also honoured as the best defender of the recently concluded All Obaidullah Hockey Cup, where he scored six goals besides denying plenty of efforts.
It is expected that the national hockey team of India will be restructured ahead of the major assignments, including Champions Trophy and the 2012 Olympics Qualifiers. In the reshuffling process, Raghunath is looking his place in the final line-up. In his
views, two drag-flickers are necessary for the team in order to make the attack strengthen.
He further stated, “I have been out of the national team for a year now and it was a difficult period for me. I worked on my drag-flicking and also tightened my defence. I have had two good tournaments. I am also able to contribute in the defence. I am just
waiting for an opportunity to get back into the team.”
The seasoned drag flickers was of the opinion that the fast pace of the game increased the dependency on short-corners. However, it was not the only way to win the game. In his views, the short-corner specialist must be a good defender as only drag flickers
were no beneficial for the team.
Raghunath further stated that there was a quite healthy competition among the drag flickers which would definitely serve the sport.
Raghunath also paid tribute to Jugraj Singh, the support staff member of the Indian team and Len Aiyappa for further honing their skills. In the concluding lines, he added that a good drag flicker should have 60 to 70 percent conversion rate.
It is vital to mention here that the current national team has had several choices in the head of drag-flicking department. These include Sandeep Singh, Dhananjay Mahadik, Diwakar Ram and recently inducted Rupinder Pal Singh, who delivered an impressive
performance in the Azlan Shah Tournament. It will be quite a difficult task for Raghunath to prove his worth against the senior players.
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