Former India captain Jude Felix, who is currently coaching Kalinga Lancers, feels his team is much sharper this time and hoped players such as Lalit Kumar and Amir Khan will step up their performances to produce a successful season in upcoming Hero Hockey India League (HHIL).
"With a lot of young players in this line-up the team looks sharper this time and is in process of doing new things. Players like Lalit Kumar and Amir Khan are much more mature now and if groomed properly they'll definitely stand out this time," Felix said after a practice session at Bhubaneswar.
"There's a lot of talent and I am confident that the boys will do well as compared to the last year."
Talking about the HHIL, Felix said: "Leagues like Hockey India League is helping the game of Hockey to grow and thrive in the nation. If you go by the past seasons, Delhi Waveriders have been in the two finals and they are one of the stronger sides.
"The other teams are equally formidable and it's all about how you take the challenge and play with what intensity. We are working on our game and I expect a better term for the Lancers this time."
The 3rd edition of the Hero Hockey India League will start from January 22 with Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays in the opening match at Bhubaneswar.
