Sandeep rested for Champions Challenge, Rajpal named captain

New Delhi, Nov 21 : The controversy surrounding Sandeep Singh's fitness has finally been put at rest. The drag flicker has now been ruled out with a back problem from the Champions Challenge hockey tournament, thus confirming the fears of coach Jose Brasa, whose announcement about Sandeep's fitness raised a storm.

Hockey India (HI) president Ashok Kumar Mattoo told IANS that Rajpal Singh would lead the side, but could not say whose decision it was to name the new captain.

"I cannot comment whether it is the selectors' decision. I can only say that we arrived at the decision after consultation." Mattoo, who had said in Pune that Rajpal was not the selectors' choice and was picked by Brasa, did not want to go into the details of the consultations he had with his colleagues.

At least two selectors made it clear that their job was only to select the squad and the captain is always picked by the federation.

"Only when we are consulted we might suggest a name but that has not been done in this case."

It may be recalled that Sandeep was made the captain by the selectors when an ad hoc committee was controlling the sport.

Mattoo had rushed to Pune Thursday after reports of a rift between the coach and the players during the ongoing camp at Pune's Balewadi Complex.

For the record HI issued a statement on Sandeep's injury: "As per the medical report of orthopaedic Surgeon Parag Sancheti, Sandeep is suffering from acute lumbar strain."

"Sandeep will undergo a rehabilitation programme for three weeks and has been advised not to do any strenuous activity which might aggravate his pain.

"He has also been advised not to play competitive hockey during this period," the statement said.

Mattoo said that it was only after a second re-check by the doctors Saturday that the extent of Sandeep's injury was known.

"The doctors came to a conclusion today. It is nothing serious and we hope that he would be back in action soon," he said.

Diwakar Ram has been named as Sandeep's replacement for the tournament Dec 6-13.