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Five different teams entered the battle for the boy from Haryana, with the Delhi-based unit pricing him away at a premium. The defender expressed his delight with the interest multiple sides showed in him as his fear of going unsold looked like a distant dream….Read More
Delhi Pipers defender Rohit. (X)
Delhi Pipers defender Rohit, who became the most expensive Indian player yet to earn a cap for the national side when the capital city side picked the 20-year-old up for a whooping sum of 40 Lakh Indian Rupees at the recently held Hockey India League auction.
Five different teams entered the battle for the boy from Haryana, with the Delhi-based unit pricing him away at a premium. The defender expressed his delight with the interest multiple sides showed in him as his fear of going unsold looked like a distant dream.
“There was a slight fear in my head if any of the teams would bid for me but to see five teams battle to have me in their squad was a complete surprise,” Rohit said.
“I won’t lie, as the bids got higher my smile got wider. It was a moment of great pride for me to go for a huge amount like that enough though I haven’t made my National Team debut yet. It must mean the coaches and selectors have liked what they have seen on and off the turf,” he revealed.
Delhi Pipers are set to be coached by former India coach Graham Reed, with legendary Indian keeper PR Sreejesh working in a mentorship capacity. The quality of personnel available would permit Rohit to hone his fledgling drag flick abilities.
“I cannot wait for the HIL to begin. It is a tremendous opportunity for me to play alongside and learn from some of the best in the business. I am confident that the experience I gain from the HIL will help me break into the Senior National Team. I am looking forward to a fantastic season with the Delhi Pipers,” Rohit expressed.
Rohit, who is also a first-rush while defending penalty corners has had his share of injuries as a result of the aggression he demonstrates while defending, added that rushing out without concern for self comes naturally to him when on field.
“I have had mouth fractures twice as a first rusher, once when I was training in Chandigarh and once in a practice match against the senior team in camp. There was a slight hesitation to rush again after the injury but when I am playing and the team has to defend a penalty corner, I automatically feel like rushing out again because helping the team in that moment is more important, ‘Daanth toh nakli baad me bhi lag jayenge’,” he said.
