HOCKEY | Krishan Pathak revelling in his role as Lancers’ main custodian

India's top goalkeeper Krishan Pathak discusses his role in the Hockey India League without feeling pressured.

Krishan Pathak, India’s number one goalkeeper after P.R. Sreejesh’s retirement, says he is not under pressure for being the most preferred custodian of Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in the Hockey India League (HIL).

Pathak has featured in all seven matches of the Lancers, which has recorded three wins and has gathered 10 points in a roller-coaster ride so far.

Lancers made a determined effort to get 27-year-old Pathak in the HIL auction as they knew that having a top-class Indian ‘keeper would enable them to press five foreigners as field players.

“There is no additional pressure. Rather, it’s good that I am getting to play full matches. I am ready to play well for my franchise,” Pathak told The Hindu.

“Since this is my first HIL, I want to give my best and show consistency. Everything comes down to how you control your mind. So, I try to remain focused and work to achieve my goals.”

Speaking about the camaraderie among Lancers’ goalkeepers, including Briton Toby Reynolds-Cotteril and Indian Sahil Kumar, Pathak said, “We exchange notes. When we train, we discuss how to do certain things. We share a lot of things with each other about the penalty corner defence. Sahil, the junior goalkeeper, is also there. We work together and learn from each other.”

About his status as the No.1 custodian of the country after Sreejesh’s retirement, Pathak said, “The benchmark for Indian goalkeepers is very high. I have to live up to that standard. I try my best to keep my performance level high.