NATIONAL No 1 and Asia’s best goalkeeper S. Kumar was named as the man-of-the-match for Uttar Pardesh Wizards when his heroics saw his side beat defending champions Ranchi Rhinos 3-2 in the opening match of the Hockey India League (HIL) yesterday.
The Wizards, who finished third in the inaugural HIL last year, twice came from a goal down to shock the home team.
Kumar 34, failed to cement a spot for the Wizards in its inaugural edition last year, as he was only fielded in one match throughout the month long tournament.
However this time around head coach Roelant Oltmans gave the Malaysian the go ahead in their opening match and he did not disappoint.
The other Malaysian players in the HIL are Radzi Rahim and Faizal Saari who are with the Dabur Mumbai Magicians team.
