Experienced defender Gurbaj Singh today made a comeback to the Indian hockey team after almost two years while young mid-fielder Jasjit Singh also looked set for his international debut after being named in the 18-man squad for the World Cup in the Netherlands from May 31.
The team will be led by star mid-fielder Sardar Singh with fullback Rupinder Singh as his deputy.
Forward Yuvraj Walmiki and mid-fielder Danish Mujtaba were dropped from the team announced here, coinciding with the felicitation of 16 players who won the 1975 World Cup.
Gurbaj, 25, had last represented India in the 2012 London Olympic Games and is back after a good showing for Delhi Waveriders in the Hockey India League. The player, having 158 caps, was also part of the 2007 Asia Cup winning squad in Chennai.
Talented Jasjit, who played for Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the last HIL, has been given an opportunity to make his international debut.
"It is the biggest day of my life. I won't say I was sure of getting into the team but I had received positive feedback from coaches (including head coach Terry Walsh) during the recent camp. As the other teams have not seen me play, I hope I am able to surprise them," Jasjit told PTI.
PR Sreejesh and Harjot Singh are the chosen goalkeepers with Rupinder, VR Raghunath, Birendra Lakra, Kothajit Singh Khadangbam and Manpreet Singh adding strength to the defence.
