Senior India players want Pillay as hockey coach

New Delhi: Senior players have backed former captain Dhanraj Pillay to be the chief coach of the Indian men's hockey team, saying the mercurial forward's immense experience and knowledge can do wonders for the national side.

Indian men's hockey team is without a coach since last month's Guangzhou Asian Games, where they won a bronze.

While national coach Harendra Singh has resigned immediately after India lost to Malaysia in the semifinals of the Guangzhou Games, chief coach Jose Brasa's contract has expired and is unlikely to be renewed.

With the position up for grabs, Dhanraj has recently thrown his hat in the ring by expressing his desire to be the coach, which got impetus from the players.

"Dhanraj has been the role model for all of us. We have grown up seeing him playing. He knows the requirement of Indian players better then anybody else," ace midfielder Arjun Halappa told PTI Bhasha.

"He is a good option. The best part is that he is still playing and so he is very well aware of modern techniques," added Halappa, who has been selected in the Asian All Stars team.

Halappa's views were seconded by drag-flicker Dhananjay Mahadik, who felt Dhanraj and Singapore-based former Indian centre-forward Jude Felix are good choices for the vacant post.

"It will be beneficial for the team if any former player becomes a coach because he can understand the pressure better.

"As far as Dhanraj is concerned, players share good comfort level with him; we can talk to him frankly. Jude is also a good option," said the full-back.

Another senior player also favoured Dhanraj for the post.

"Dhanraj was the manager for Azlan Shah Cup in 2009 and Asian Cup subsequently. He was a very good manager and all players were happy. I am sure he will be a good coach as well," said the player on condition of anonymity.

"He is the best option and he is the only one who has expressed his desire to be the coach.

"Dhanraj has seen the good and bad times of Indian hockey. His understanding of Indian conditions, players and the game is better then anybody. He should be given a chance," he added.

Incidentally, captain Rajpal Singh has recently said that he is open to the idea of a foreign coach but suggested Hockey India to adopt a professional approach, like the Indian cricket board (BCCI), while appointing the support staff of the national team.

"Instead of randomly picking anybody, Hockey India should invite applications for the post of chief coach just like BCCI. The coach can be a foreigner or an Indian but what matters is his performance and attitude towards players.

"Personally, I am in favour of an Australian coach," Rajpal had said.