Newfound maturity of SV Sunil should lead to better performances

Sunil at a practice session with the national team

One of the biggest positives of the senior men’s hockey team in recent months has been the new found maturity of striker SV Sunil. The nippy forward, as we all know, is blessed with a burst of speed that not many can match but there is always a criticism that he hasn’t quite fulfilled his potential.

There were always whispers that Sunil would resort to aimless searing runs without any meaning impact on the opposition defence. That criticism may sound justified if one was talking about SV Sunil say two years back but not anymore. It is increasingly being felt that the recklessness has gone out of his game and the striker has really worked on his game.

Maybe, the responsibility of vice-captaincy is only enhancing his responsibilities. At the 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Sunil was in his elements as he became vice-captain of the national team for the first time serving as deputy to skipper Sardar Singh.

Even as Sardar was rested for the 36th FIH Champions Trophy to be played in London from 10 to 17 June, Sunil was again named vice-captain of the side that has goalkeeper PR Sreejesh as captain.

Clearly, the team management is acknowledging the way Sunil has been operating in recent months and showing what a utility player he is. “Sunil has done well for us at the 2016 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. The responsibility of vice-captaincy is helping him. He is willing to take more responsibility and in the forward line he is a key player for us,” says Indian men team head coach Roelant Oltmans.

Oltmans has high regards for the Indian forward line. “The forward line is very talented, it is all about putting it as a unit and I see Sunil play a big role upfront,” he observes. Sunil has shown that he is ready to shoulder any extra responsibility for the team and the 36th FIH Champions Trophy will only enhance his stature in the Indian team.