Field Vision

UP Rudras, one of the eight franchise teams set to compete in the upcoming Hero Hockey India League, running from December 28th, 2024, to February 1st, 2025.

The team’s squad has been thoughtfully assembled, combining seasoned veterans with promising young talents, all under the guidance of an experienced coaching staff. This strategic blend aims to forge a well-rounded and competitive unit. Let’s take a closer look at the individuals who make up this dynamic team.

Goalkeeping:

Welcome to the UP Rudras’ fortress of goalkeeping, where the future meets the past in a spectacular display of talent. Our ranks include some of the brightest prodigies in the game, whose agility and quick thinking are already the stuff of legend. But guiding these young stars is none other than the experienced James Mazarelo.

James Mazarelo stands as a colossus, a world-class shot-stopper whose performances are nothing short of theatrical. From those nerve-wracking close angles where the air thickens with anticipation, he commands the space with an almost supernatural ability to block angles. His reflexes, swift and sharp, are like the flash of lightning on a stormy night, allowing him to recover with astonishing speed after each world-class save.

Following the retirement of PR Sreejesh, the goalkeeping position within the national team is now open for competition. This development provides an unprecedented opportunity for Prashant Chauhan and Pankaj Kumar Rajak, who have both demonstrated their capabilities through participation in various camps and the junior circuits.

Given the current dynamics of tournaments, which tend to favor nurturing homegrown talent, both keepers are poised to receive significant playing time but also offer an advantage to learn under the guidance of James Mazarelo.

Defence:

The squad construction of the defensive team-building lies upon four components: drag flicking, pinching in, ball distribution, and versatility in different zones to defend off the ball. UP Rudras has aligned and complemented this profile-building.

Leading the backline is James Albery, an elite interceptor of blazing wide crosses, and a cool-headed defender. His preference for maintaining a deeper and wider position on the right during build-ups showcases his strategic versatility, especially around the circle where he guards the vast expanses like a sentinel.

Balk Lars, one of the league’s most expensive defenders (Rs 40 Lakhs), shares a similar profile with James, often staying deeper during build-ups and distributing the ball effectively. Together, their synergy promises to fortify the backline like never before.

The young Indian sensation, Priya Barta Talem, or ‘Priyo,’ is the crucial last man in defense for the team, playing a vital role in PR Sreejesh’s junior setup. His interception skills are not just an asset but a linchpin in the high-press strategy.

Surender Kumar, an Indian national team player, has been versatile in various roles across both sides of the pitch as a defender. Capable of metamorphosing into various roles, from a dynamic wingback to a staunch defender in the circle, his ability to pinch forward, defend, and shield during penalty corners could be the key to reclaiming his spot on the national stage, while also mentoring the rising stars Prashant and Sunil Jojo.

To cap it all, the role of Kane Russell emerges as the crown jewel of this defensive setup. As one of the world’s deadliest drag flickers, he not only adds a lethal edge to penalty corners but also serves as a mentor to Sharda Nand Tiwari. This Indian junior prodigy, known for his defensive solidity in initiating play from the deeper region, stands to gain invaluable insights into penalty corner execution from Kane.

Midfield:

The heart of UP Rudras’ midfield pulses with the energy of Rafael Villallonga and Hardik Singh, masters of fluid transformation on the field. They dance between roles, from audacious ball carriers to strategic defenders, slicing through opposition lines with their silky dribbles. With Floris Wortelboer’s arrival, a player who can adapt as both a wide midfielder and right wingback could lighten the role of Hardik Singh.

Then come prodigies who are set to redefine their skillset, rubbing shoulders with seasoned internationals to elevate their game. They’re not just playing; they’re learning, adapting, and evolving, transforming their potential.

Jobanpreet Singh has dazzled in the Punjab Junior National Championship, playing a pivotal role in their title win. His flair up in the central positions and clutch goal-scoring in the final have marked him as one to watch.

Mohd Zaid Khan, with a skillset echoing Joban’s, thrives in the hustle of central areas while holding high lines. Together, they’ve gained invaluable insights from seasoned teammates, honing their craft.

Manmeet Singh stands out in the India Junior Setup, where the demand for high-intensity midfield play is non-negotiable. His exceptional on-ball skills bridge the gap from midfield to attack, crafting opportunities for star striker Araijeet Singh Hundal, where he’s been the silent architect behind many an offensive move.

Forward:

The Uttar Pradesh Rudras’ offensive line is nothing short of a hockey buffet, serving up a delightful mix of flavors. Picture this: a dash of seasoned campaigners, whose experience could fill a library; a sprinkle of prodigies with work rates; and, as the cherry on top, a game-changer, that one individual whose performance on the field could make even the scoreboard glow.

Akashdeep Singh is a veteran at 30, with 247 caps for India, known for his knack for spatial awareness in the shooting circle. His ballet in the shooting circle is a spectacle of spatial manipulation, where he pirouettes into position for deflections or unleashes shots that whisper through the air—sublime first touches, elegant tomahawks, crafting goals with the artistry of a single stroke. Off the ball, he positions like a shadow on the higher side of the left, a silent threat waiting to strike. On his day, he’s a force that can’t be contained.

Complementing this artistry, Lalit Upadhyay graces the right flank with his slicing dribbles, a magician whose wand is his stick, weaving through defenders. Each maneuver is a narrative of outplaying the press, driving into the heart of the circle. His goals are not just scored; they are cast, each one a wonder. Off-the-ball movement ensures the team’s structure stays intact, providing both creativity and discipline during rotation (switch in position on the other side).

Sam Ward, the aggressor of the first line, brings a different flavor to the mix. His physicality is his signature, his penalty corner expertise his forte. He’s the kind of player you love on your team and fear on the other side. Ward embodies the archetype of the modern forward — a robust, shrewd, and multifaceted marauder.

Gurjot Singh brings an aggressive press and relentless energy, much akin to Ward. His ability to operate in wide areas ensures the Rudras maintain high intensity across the pitch.

Sudeep Chirmako is yet another talented prodigy, renowned for his exceptional operational skills and ability to maneuver his skill set in the tightest of spaces. However, what truly sets him apart—what makes him a figure of admiration—is his unrelenting spirit. He is always a hustler, a constant trier on the field.

Simranjeet Singh, the muscle of the attack, the colossus of the circle, brings the raw power that once helped secure Olympic glory. His physicality in the shooting circle, combined with a devastating tomahawk or backhand, makes him a terror to defenders. His presence alone shifts the dynamic of the game.

Tanguy Cosyns adds a layer of versatility and strategic depth. He’s plotting, staying deeper to read the game, creating holes in defenses. His intelligence shines in build-up play. When he bursts forward, defenders clutch their sticks tighter, knowing they’re about to face a ballet of evasion and skill. He also adds the element of sophistication with his drag flicking.

Coaching Staff:

Paul Van Ass and Thomas Tichelman, with their deep roots in the Dutch hockey system, bring over a decade of insights from their various roles with the national team. Van Ass is known for his meticulous approach to team building and game strategy, never hesitating to make bold moves, such as sidelining a star player if the situation demands.

Cedric D’Souza perfectly complements Van Ass, bringing one of the sharpest minds in Indian hockey to the table. With a career that spans from playing for state-level teams to clinching victories with the Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League and his time with the national team, D’Souza’s expertise is invaluable. His methodical and goal-oriented approach, combined with Van Ass’s strategies, promises to equip the team with the versatility needed to adapt to various playing styles and coaching methodologies.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Pankaj Kumar Rajak, Prashant Chauhan, James Mazarelo,

Defenders: Lars Balk, James Albery, Surender Kumar, Sunil Jojo, Kane Russell, Prashant Barla, Sharda Tiwari, Talem Barta

Midfielders: Manmeet Singh, Jobanpreet Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Rafael Vilallonga, Floris Wortelboer, Hardik Singh, Akashdeep Singh

Forwards: Sudeep Chirmako, Sam Ward, Tanguy Cosyns, Mohd Zaid Khan, Gurjot Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay

Fixtures

UP Rudras vs Kalinga Lancers – 30th December 2024
UP Rudras vs Soorma HC – 2nd January 2025
UP Rudras vs Tamil Nadu Dragons – 5th January 2025
UP Rudras vs Hyderabad Toofans – 8th January 2025
UP Rudras vs Delhi SG Pipers – 11th January 2025
UP Rudras vs Rarh Bengal Tigers – 15th January 2025
UP Rudras vs Gonasika HC – 18th January 2025
UP Rudras vs Gonasika HC – 21st January 2025
UP Rudras vs Hyderabad Toofans – 25th January 2025
UP Rudras vs Tamil Nadu Dragons – 29th January 2025