Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will lead the 18-member Indian men's hockey team in the fourth Asian Champions Trophy to be held in Kuantan, Malaysia from October 20 to 30. The selectors have also named 24-year-old midfielder Manpreet Singh as the vice-captain of the team.

Defender Jasjit Singh Kular returned to the squad in place of experienced VR Raghunath, who has been rested for the tournament. Also making a comeback to side after an injury lay-off is defender Birendra Lakra, who missed the Rio Olympics due to a knee injury.

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However, forwards Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh have been given a break and are being replaced by Talwinder Singh and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay. Besides Sreejesh, the other goalkeeper in the squad is Akash Chikte.

Scheduled two months after the Rio Olympics, the men's Asian Champions Trophy will see participation from India, Korea, Japan, China, hosts Malaysia and defending champions Pakistan.

"The Asian Champions Trophy is an important tournament for us and going by the world rankings, India will go in as favourites to win the title. The team has been upbeat since their return to the camp after the Olympic Games and are eager to start the season on a winning note," said chief coach Roelant Oltmans.

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However, Sreejesh will play for a win and not take any side lightly. "We may be the top ranked team in Asia right now but no team can be taken lightly. The defending champions (Pakistan) are known to spring a surprise and Korea too will be a team to watch out for as they have been playing good quality hockey lately," he said.

Squad:

Goalkeepers
1. P.R Sreejesh (Captain)
2. Akash Chikte

Defenders
3. Rupinder Pal Singh
4. Pardeep Mor
5. Jasjit Singh Kular
6. Birendra Lakra
7. Kothajit Singh
8. Surender Kumar

Midfielders
9. Chinglensana Singh Kangujam
10. Manpreet Singh (Vice Captain)
11. Sardar Singh
12. S.K Uthappa
13. Devindar Walmiki

Forwards
14. Talwinder Singh
15. S.V Sunil
16. Lalit Kumar Upadhyay
17. Nikkin Thimmaiah
18. Affan Yousuf