The Indian selectors on Saturday stuck to the tried and tested combination, retaining Rajpal Singh as captain for the FIH hockey World Cup to be held in New Delhi from February 28.
The decision comes in the wake of a section of the players expressing unhappiness over Rajpal's leadership in the recent strike over non-payment of dues.
It was speculated earlier that Prabhjot Singh would take over as captain. But the selectors decided to stick with Rajpal to maintain continuity and avoid any rift in the squad.
"I don't know from where these reports of change of captain surfaced," chief selector Ajitpal Singh told HT on Saturday. "Changing the captain now and then is not advisable. We need somebody who commands respect in the team and can lead the players."
The selectors retained most of the players who played in the Champions Challenge I in Salta, Argentina. Drag flicker Sandeep Singh returns to the team after recovering from a back injury, while Diwakar Ram comes in as a defender.