Fading star Dhanraj Pillay on Wednesday made a strong plea for a recall to the Indian team, saying youngsters in the side needed experienced players like him to guide them through important events like Asian Games and World Cup later this year.
The 37-year-old veteran, who last played for India in the Athens Olympics in 2002, said he was completely fit and could withstand the rigours of international hockey.
"I am confident of making a comeback and if tomorrow I am told to give a fitness test I am ready for that," Dhanraj said.
"I am in good shape. My speed is still there and I have performed well in the PHL as well as in Malaysia. Now it is upto the management to take notice of my performance," he said.
Dhanraj said the current team lacked bench strength and needed experienced players for guidance.
"It is all okay to have young players in the team but you also need players with experience who can guide them. They have a very important role to play," he said.
"We are lacking in bench strength and there should be a pool of 30-40 players always ready to play," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"We are lacking in bench strength and there should be a pool of 30-40 players always ready to play," he said.
{{/usCountry}}He also said with Asian Games and World Cup not very far away, proper preparation was necessary.
"There are many important assignments coming up. Training camps for players are necessary to be in the right frame of mind before important outings."
Dhanraj, who was here to attend a felicitation function, said that it was a great feeling to be in the midst of stalwarts. "It is an honour for me to be here among these great hockey players," he said.