From playing second fiddle to Gonzalo Peillat last season to being the No. 1 drag-flicker for Hyderabad Toofans in this edition of the Hockey India League (HIL), Amandeep Lakra has emerged as a polished product.
Despite the presence of German star Peillat, Lakra, hailing from Odisha’s hockey hub Sundargarh district, impressed in his debut HIL season by scoring five goals and finishing fifth among the top penalty corner goal-scorers.
As Peillat withdrew this season due to an injury, Toofans coach Pasha Gademan chose Lakra as their first-choice drag-flicker. The 23-year-old has not disappointed as he has scored five goals so far to be fourth, behind top stars Kane Russell (10), Alexander Hendrickx (8) and Tom Boon (6), among short corner specialists and joint-fifth among overall scorers.
“The coach’s trust is the biggest thing. It boosts my confidence. Last season I got less chances, but this season I am getting more,” Lakra told The Hindu. Lakra said working with his role model Peillat helped him. “I follow Gonzalo a lot, he keeps it simple. I learnt a lot from him last season, and asked him how he became the top-scorer in the Rio Olympics. He told me to keep it on the frame of the goalpost as it gives more chances to score. If we are not able to score directly, our teammates are there to score off rebounds.
“Gonzalo’s absence has given me a great opportunity. I am utilising his tips and have got success. Variations are decided by the coach. My job is to implement those.”
Lakra said he also liked to pay attention to his duty as a defender. “If I am not able to score, then there’s no need to panic. I also need to focus on my defence as well,” said Lakra, who has represented the country at the junior level in the World Cup and the Asia Cup and is knocking on the doors of the Indian senior side.
