Rajiv Mishra pulls out of first two matches

New Delhi, Jan 3: The injury-hit Indian hockey team suffered yet another setback prior to the four-Test series against Champions Trophy hold...

New Delhi, Jan 3: The injury-hit Indian hockey team suffered yet another setback prior to the four-Test series against Champions Trophy holders Germany, with Railways forward Rajiv Mishra pulling out of the first two matches to be played at Chennai and Bangalore, due to lack of fitness.

Mishra, who is recovering from a viral infection, said he had requested the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) to relieve him from Test duty for the first two matches to be played on January 5 and January 7.

“I am still feeling weak. I agreed to play the semi-final and final matches for my employers Northern Railway here in the Shastri tournament, but I am not in the right shape at present to represent India against Germany. At least not for the first two matches,” Mishra said.

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Mishra said that he hoped to recover fully before the third match in Amritsar, but he was not sure whether he could join the team midway through the series.

“It is really unfortunate that I have missed the first opportunity to play with the senior side. I’ll concentrate on attaining match fitness as soon as possible,” he added.