The Indian hockey team will embark on a mission to clinch their first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in 15 years with a new captain at the helm, Sanjay — India’s young defensive stalwart.

The 24-year-old, who hails from Haryana, will lead a youthful 20-man side shorn of veterans such as midfielder Manpreet Singh, forward Mandeep Singh, goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, and regular skipper Harmanpreet Singh — all of whom have been rested. Sanjay has the unenviable task of filling Harmanpreet’s big boots, not just in defence, but also as a leader. Sanjay is undaunted by the job at hand, insisting he will rely on all that he has learnt from Harmanpreet and apply it at the tournament which begins on November 23 in Ipoh, Malaysia.