Defending champs India face Korea test in semis

Mohali :Unbeaten so far in the tournament, five-time champions India would be fretting over in-form striker Abhishek’s injury but the title favourites have enough depth to counter South Korea when the two sides clash in the semifinal of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Wednesday.

Asian Games champions India had thrashed Bangladesh 13-0, China 5-2 and Japan 4-1 in the round-robin stage and had blanked South Korea 8-0 in their last round-robin match of the six-team tournament in Jalandhar on Monday and are expected to steamroll the side again here on Wednesday.

But Abhishek’s ankle injury just before the match against Japan remains a concern as he has not only scored goals but also been instrumental in creating chances for the hosts.

India’s chief coach Craig Fulton acknowledged Abhishek’s stellar role so far. “We’re not sure yet. We’re waiting to find out. He’s (Abhishek) injured, so we’re seeing if he can make it back. We’ll have to wait. The time-line is very short,” Fulton said. In Abhishek’s absence, the onus would be on veteran striker Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and Shilanand Lakra to take up the responsibility upfront. Mandeep looked off colour after scoring a hat-trick against Bangladesh in India’s tournament-opener.

If Abhishek is unavailable, the likes of Aditya Arjun Lalage and Angad Bir Singh will have to shoulder responsibility. However, India skipper Harmanpreet Singh is optimistic about Abhishek’s availability.

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