A second-string India side, with as many as 10 players set to make their international debuts, will open their campaign against Pakistan in the Asia Cup at GBK Arena in Jakarta on Monday.
They will look to start on a winning note against their arch-rivals, who have also brought a young team and are being coached by Siegfried Aikman.
While a win against Pakistan will boost the team's confidence, it will be the performance of the youngsters throughout the tournament that will be closely monitored. With a number of tournaments lined up in the coming months, it's a great opportunity for the newcomers to make a mark and be in contention for the big-ticket events.
Apart from the youngsters, a lot of focus will also be on two of the seniors of the Indian team - Birendra Lakra and d SV Sunil - who are making a comeback to the national side under the coaching of Sardar Singh. Birendra Lakra had announced his retirement after the Olympics but will be now captaining the team.
Earlier, he was named the vice-captain but after Rupinder Pal Singh was ruled out due to injury, Lakra was named the skipper.
Meanwhile, Sunil has been named as Lakra's deputy. He wasn't selected for the Olympics and had decided to take a break. But on being recalled to the side, he has joined the national team and is looking to make a mark.
"After the Olympics, I did not retire, I had just taken a break. I was still in practice though. However, I was sad after not being selected for the Olympics but it wouldn't do any good brooding over it. So, when I got the call-up, it seemed the right time to make a comeback and I accepted the opportunity," said Sunil during a virtual press conference on Sunday.
Like Sunil, Lakra also kept himself in shape despite calling time on his career. And after he got the call to represent the country once again, he jumped back in.
Today's matches:
Malaysia vs Oman, Korea vs Bangladesh, Japan vs Indonesia, India vs Pakistan
Groups:
Pool A: India, Pakistan, Japan, Indonesia; Pool B: Malaysia, South Korea, Oman
