The absence of injured penalty corner specialist Jugraj Singh could be a major setback for India at the Asia Cup hockey tournament in Kuala Lumpur later this month, coach Rajinder Singh said on Friday.
Jugraj, whose expertise at the drag flick has helped India boost their weak conversion rate in recent months, suffered serious injuries in a car crash last week and is under intensive care in hospital.
The player suffered multiple fractures to his elbow and right leg and is expected to take at least three months to recover.
"Jugraj's injury is a big blow to the team," Rajinder told reporters at the team's training camp in New Delhi.
"With Jugraj the penalty-corner conversion rate had gone up by 60-70 per cent," he said, adding it will put further pressure on the team's inconsistent defence.
The Indian Hockey Federation is trying to send the player abroad, possibly Australia, once he is declared fit to travel, IHF secretary, K.Jothikumaran told Reuters.
"We are seeking the help of the government and the International Hockey Federation on this issue," he said.
India face Pakistan for the third time in a month at the eight-nation Asia Cup, which will be held from September 21-28, after the traditional rivals are drawn in the same group.
Pakistan pipped India 4-3 in the Champions Trophy third place play-off in Amstelveen last month to avenge for their 7-4 defeat in the round-robin.
Holders South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, hosts Malaysia, Bangladesh and China are the other teams in the tournament.
