The Indian team is all set to play a marathon series of test matches against the host Canada, with a few new faces in the squad.

some might argue that playing Canada will not benefit India in its preparations for the forthcoming big events such as 2010 World Cup. But team’s assistant coach Harendra Singh thinks otherwise.

“Canada has better ranking than us and were at the last Olympics, don't forget that. Therefore, it’s not a weak team. Also, playing away from home always benefits” says Harendra.

The touring side rested some regulars like V.S. Vinaya and Ajitesh Roy -- they are in the stand-by list -- and they have made way for some junior players. Harendra feels it’s the right step.

“See, this is going to be the last event before the Champions Challenge, and we want to try a few new players. So this is the golden chance for us to test the players like Danish Mujtaba, Amir Khan, Sarvanjit Singh and Roshan Minz” explains Harendra.

However, it is worthwhile to note here Sarvanjit and Roshan are not exactly new, having already figured in various senior assignments last year.

“Since in the Champions Challenge, top six 6 teams will not be there, it makes sense to try these players. For, we can’t play them directly against Germany or Australia. If they do well there, we will continue with them otherwise Vinaya and Ajitesh are always there itching to fill up the gap” Harendera reasons.

He sounded very confident about the team selection and the strategy. According to him, the team management is looking to build a pool of at least 28 players, keeping in mind the Commonwealth Games and World Cup, and inclusion of junior players is a part of the over all pool-planning

As regards the criticims that the results of last Europe tour did not produce any good results, he said: “Yes, we didn’t do well in Europe. Because we just initiated our build-up process for the future while our rivals were at their peak of preparations as the European championship was approaching. For us, it was a learning curve and I feel we learnt plenty of things” says Harendra.

“Another reason, I feel, was that we were not used to some new techniques we seek to introduce, plans and the equipments, things the new coach introduced now. Now we have to get used to them and no excuses will be tolerated at the big events” adds the confident coach.

Talking about the home World Cup, he avers, “I feel we can reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. This team has the capability of doing it. We have a few very good experienced players and we are trying a number of young turks, so this team will be a good blend. Plus, playing in your home country is always a big advantage, and looking at the plans we are following, I am very confident that we will reach the semis” says the former coach.

Hey, but hang on, just a few days back, his chief Brasa said not to expect anything extra-ordinary at the World Cup and Commonwealth Games! So, isn’t there a contradiction?

Harendra smiles. “We will surely do well. What football is to Brazil, hockey is to India. We always want to do well in our national game and will try our level best to achieve our goal. Brasa was a little misunderstood. There must have been a communication-gap between him and media” explains Brasa’s deputy.

On asked about the things they focused in the Pune camp, Harendra said, “We emphasized on the neutral skills like stopping and hitting the ball. These basics are really essential. Then a few special techniques, like passing the ball looking up. We used to train the boys in the day session, and used to watch their progress during the match played in the evening. We worked really hard on the basics and I am sure this camp and the Canada tour will add a lot to do well in our target tournaments.

Interesting fact is that someone (Indian) in the coaching team does understand that Canadian team will not be sleeping since the Azlan Shah Cup 2008. They must have watched Indian, taken many steps forward and that is where India needs to be careful about.

Sincerely wishing that the team builds upon their exposures with higher ranked teams. No high expectations but positive outlook. Good luck to the whole team.