The Indian mens hockey team has always relied on VR Raghunath's 'dragflicking' skills to score many a goal but the think-tank is also preparing to use the Karnataka-born player as a backup option for current goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
India today named an unchanged 16-member squad for the Asian Games to be held in Incheon, South Korea from September 19 to October 4 with Sreejesh being the lone goalkeeper in the team to be led by Sardar Singh.
"Being the lone goalkeeper in the team is an advantage as well as a disadvantage. Advantage in the sense that you get to play in every game and the disadvantage is that if you get injured there is no replacement. So you need to very cautious," Sreejesh told reporters on the sidelines of a training session at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.
Asked in case if he suffers an injury during the Asian Games, does the team have any replacement player who can fit in his shoes temporarily, Sreejesh said: Yes, we are preparing Raghu for the job. I am teaching him about the basics of goalkeeping.
"In case if I get injured, which is highly unlikely, Raghu can stand in front of the goal."
Raghunath understands the pressure of burden on his dhoulders but said if situation demands he is up for the challenge.
"99.9 per cent this situation won't arise but if it does I am mentally prepared. The coach is using me in the practice matches in the last 10-15 minutes," he said.
Goalkeeping is something which is not new to Raghunath as he started playing the game as a custodian before switching to a dragflick specialist.
"I have done it (goalkeeping) before. When I was a child I was a goalkeeper. It is not easy. But if really needed I am ready for the job," he said.
"Sreejesh only is my coach. He is giving me all the basics tips that are needed," the strapping penalty corner specialist from Karnataka added.
India's chief coach Terry Walsh also hopes that the team won't face such a crisis but said fielding one goalkeeper in the 16-member squad for a less demading tournament like Asian Games give the side more options on the turf.
"Yes, we are preparing Raghu as Sreejesh's back up. But I don't think a situation like this will come. If it does he is capable of taking the responsiblity," Walsh said.
