Akashdeep excited to again play with Sardar, Simon Child again in HIL

After a successful year where he played crucial roles in helping India notch up some memorable performances, young and talented striker Akashdeep Singh is now hoping to produce similar sort of performance for defending champions Delhi Waveriders in the 2015 Hockey India League (HIL) starting Jan 22.

The 20-year-old, who idolises Indian skipper Sardar Singh, Thursday said he is lucky to play under the Indian centre-half and is looking forward to once again share the dressing room with him.

"It has been a great prospect to play under Sardar's leadership and I am one of those lucky ones to not only play under his guidance in the Indian Men team but even in the Hockey India League where we are with Delhi Waveriders," said Akashdeep.

"Watching him play as well as discussing the game with him has helped me to learn a few tricks of the trade and has enhanced my game immensely. He inspires me and many others to become the player we want to be and make a difference to the game when on the field.

"I am really looking forward to the league as we both personally are looking at a big challenge from the rest of the teams and the aim to retain the title this year too," said Akashdeep, who bagged the 'Upcoming Player of the Tournament award' for the last edition.

On the upcoming HIL, he said: "I have had amazing experiences at the last two seasons of the Hero Hockey India league as it is one of those rare golden chances where one gets to play along some of the finest hockey talents from world-over.

"One such player is Simon Child and playing alongside him in the forward position has been a big experience for me."

Akashdeep also earned the 'Best Junior Player of the Tournament' in the Champions Trophy.

In the first match of HIL, Kalinga Lancers will take on Ranchi Rays at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.