CWG 2022: India really need to find Sreejesh's understudies

India need to cast their net far and wide to find Sreejesh's understudiesBENGALURU: Forget being household names, Richard Allen and Ranganathan Francis wouldn't strike an instant chord with followers of Indian hockey. The two men, known as much for their grit as for the gold medals they have won, were goalkeepers over six Olympics. While Allen stood under the bar at the 1928, 1932 and 1936 Olympics, Francis was the custodian in 1948, 1952 and 1956.

Then, there was Shankar Lakshman - the 'Rock of Gibraltar' - at the 1956, 1960, 1964 Games. Goalkeepers in Indian hockey have often flown well under the radar, but their contribution to the sport in the country has been unparalleled. Unlike his predecessors, PR Sreejesh, who has donned the big pads for a decade now, is more a recognizable figure, thanks to his deeds, short memories, social media and television.

King-size both in stature and deeds, his jovial personality off the turf belies a no-quarter-given approach on it. He has been rock-solid in guarding the Indian citadel. But much like Allen, Francis and Lakshman before him, his role in India's bronze medal-winning feat at the Tokyo Olympics will not be a part of individual sporting folklore.

Be that as it may, at 34, Sreejesh's illustrious international career, spanning over 15 years, is pretty much behind him. It is not out of place to say he is in the twilight of his career. Not because his skills are fading - to the contrary he is still among the best.

But with Indian hockey's future in mind, it, perhaps, is time to look ahead at options beyond Sreejesh. The thought itself is unsettling in the current circumstances and the "who next" question is frightening. Krishan Pathak is still a work in progress; India hasn't