Colin Batch Upbeat About Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Roaring in the Hockey India League

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers are gearing up for the 6th Men’s Hockey India League at Rourkela. Under chief coach Colin Batch, the Kolkata franchise is straining every nerve so that they are able to deliver a power-packed performance in the much-hyped league.

Like every other franchise, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers are focused on getting the coordination going between the Indian and foreign players. “We are still learning about each other. How do we ensure Indian players gel with the foreign players is our prime focus area. I think you would see a good connection and understanding among our players after playing five-six games but yes, we are making good progress,” says chief coach Colin Batch in an exclusive interview with Hockey Passion.

Read Onus on Foreign Players to Adapt to the Indian Style: Team Gonasika Coach Paul Revington

Aa many as twenty foreign players withdrew from the 6th Men’s Hockey India League – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers much like some other franchises had to deal with the player withdrawals in the form of Pirmin Blaak, Lachan Sharp, and Tom Grambusch. “We’ve just got to deal with it. We would have liked to have our 24 that we selected at auction, but sometimes circumstances, injuries play their part. We are happy to have goalkeeper Jamie Carr, Tim Cross, and Sebastian Dockier, who brings so much experience to the side. Three players who withdrew were owing to personal reasons, club not releasing them and injury,” says the illustrious former Australian men’s hockey team coach.

Read Hyderabad Toofans ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Ahead of HIL Campaign

The Bengal franchise have the right mix of experienced players as well as talented young players. On the experience front, they have the likes of Rupinder Pal Singh, Jasjit Singh Kullar, Sebastian Dockier, Gauthier Boccard, Florent Van Aubel, Hayden Beltz, and Sam Lane. As far as youngsters are cornered, they have at their disposal the likes of Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Sean Findlay, and Jugraj Singh.

The Tigers’ forwardline wear a potent look with two star forwards Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek expected to call the shots with able support from Florent Van Aubel, Sam Lane, and Gursewak Singh. The former Kookaburras midfielder, who won the 1986 World Cup, is pleased to have a talented drag-flicker Jugraj Singh in their side. “Jugraj is very creative with the ball. It’s not just about what he can do from a short corner as he can offer a lot for us,” he says.

Read Foreign Players Who Withdrew from 6th Men’s Hockey India League

Batch stopped short of picking teams that are the favourites to win the league. “It’s really hard to tell. As far as we are concerned, I’m optimistic about Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers faring well in the HIL. I believe we have the team to win the league and I would be very disappointed if we don’t make it to the final,” he concludes.

Image Credit: Hockey Australia