The Indian hockey team prefers to keep its cards on strategies to be used in the World Cup, starting in Monchengladbach, Germany [Images], on September 6, close to the chest.

The team management refused to speak either about injured Sandeep Singh's replacement or the changed plans it has chalked out to make up for the ace drag-flicker's absence.

While chief coach Vasudevan Bhaskaran said he cannot talk about any strategy at this stage, coach Harendra Singh said it would not be wise to divulge details.

Asked whether the team has chalked out any plans for penalty-corners, Harendra said he could not share those even if they were any in place.

"Obviously, we have worked out some plans. But it will be foolish to talk about those now. Even you people (media) know it," he said.

It appears that the Indian team is considering captain Dilip Tirkey as a strong option to meet the demands of penalty-corner conversions.

Tirkey, who played in the second practice match against Belgium at Cologne, scored twice from penalty-corners and could be gearing up for the crucial role at the World Cup.

Penalty-corner specialists Jugraj Singh and Vikramjit Singh were tried in two practice matches and R Raghunath would be fielded in the last match against Japan [Images] on Saturday after which the team management will take a decision on who would stay back to do the duty of a drag-flicker.

On the practice matches, Bhaskaran said, "Only one thing I can tell you that these are all part of the preparations, which have gone well so far and the players have responded well."

He said the players are enjoying the slightly chilly but pleasant weather in Germany while getting ready for the opening tie against hosts Germany on September 9.

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