We want Pillay, cries Indian hockey

NEW DELHI: The countdown to the Olympics has begun. It''s exactly 100 days away, but the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) still hasn''t come up with the answer to the million dollar question on Dhanraj Pillay''s exclusion from the tentative squad.
The controversy on a veteran of four World Cups and three Olympic Games, added another dimension on Wednesday after former cricket captain Bishan Singh Bedi and ex-hockey captains Ashok Kumar and Zafar Iqbal defended Pillay''s case.
"The IHF should explain why his name has been omitted ," said Zafar. "He has been around in international hockey since 1989 and should be given a chance to prove his fitness. And Baljit Singh Dhillon is also a fine playmaker. This unfair treatment could prove disastrous. Pillay is indispensable," he said.
Bedi, in a passionate plea on Pillay''s behalf said: "If Pillay says he''s fit, he must get a chance to prove it. The IHF or coach Rajinder Singh should not let their egos come in the way for the sake of the country. Pillay is the Sachin Tendulkar of Indian hockey. But he does''t need a Ferrari as he himself is a Ferrari," the sardar of spin said.
Ashok Kumar, a member of 1975 World Cup-winning team, ridiculed the IHF for experimenting too much. "It''s high time to stop experimenting. These suicidal plans are not going to fetch anything with Olympics just three months away. The mere presence of Pillay and Dhillon lifts the team," Ashok said.
He conceded that Pillay may no longer be able to last the entire 70 minutes. "He is good in flashes. And the coach should take the advantage of rolling substitution rule."
Meanwhile, another former India captain said: "Only God can save Indian hockey." In an exasperated tone Pargat slammed the Indian Hockey Federation for its "high-handedness" in running the game. "This is totally wrong. Experimentation before one or two years before a big event is understandable."