NEW DELHI, Nov. 7 -- Graham Reid had shocked the Indian hockey ecosystem four years ago when he had selected a six-match-old Shamsher Singh over the much more experienced Akashdeep Singh for the Tokyo Olympics. The former India chief coach had a lot of faith in the attacking midfielder's skill and speed. And the gamble had paid off as the boy from the border village of Attari in Punjab helped India win an Olympic hockey medal after a gap of 41 years. Having displayed his usefulness upfront with a knack of creating goals or earning penalty corners (PC), Shamsher became the side's lynchpin, cementing his spot in the India team to win medals at every major competition since then, including the Paris Olympics. But the 28-year-old has now fallen out of favour with the selectors. With new players like Rajinder Singh or Raj Kumar Pal among others emerging in the midfield, two-time Olympic bronze medallist Shamsher has lost his spot in the squad. Not just that, he recently was not even selected for the 33 core probables for the ongoing national camp in Bengaluru. "It is the selectors' decision. They want to give chances to youngsters. I will just do what is in my hands and continue playing. I will continue working hard. I will try and perform in the Hockey India League (HIL)," said Shamsher, who has played 111 internationals. Shamsher's creativity, ability to find openings and make incisive passes were his strengths. But perhaps the selectors now feel his abilities have diminished a bit. Simultaneously, the RP Singh-led selection committee is keen on infusing young blood into the team, keeping in mind the World Cup and Asian Games next year in addition to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Rajinder and Raj Kumar have not only delivered on the domestic scene but also at the international level with the latter playing a crucial role in last year's Olympics. But what comes to Shamsher's aid is his experience, using which he can reignite that spark, the creativity that helped him bulldoze through the seniors to solidify his place in the team. "We should always be hopeful. Only then can we play well. I will analyse my game, see the areas where I can do better, perhaps do more in the attack. The main thing is I keep my fitness at a level where I can perform well," said Shamsher, who is a DSP with Punjab Police. A product of the Surjit Singh Hockey Academy, Shamsher is eyeing the HIL to showcase his skills from where he can make a return to the Indian team. First rusher Amit Rohidas is perhaps the best example of a player whose career was resurrected by the HIL. After playing a few games for India in 2013-14, the Odisha player was out of reckoning for three-and-a-half years. But Rohidas' title winning campaign in 2017 helped the 32-year-old make a comeback to the Indian team in 2017. He has not looked back since. Shamsher was retained by Delhi SG Pipers for the second edition of the revamped league to be held from Jan 3-26 in Chennai, Ranchi and Bhubaneswar. The midfielder will look to change the fortune of the franchise which finished eighth last year without a win in 10 games. "Last time, we had some issues. Many foreign players backed out just before the league started which compromised our plans and strategy. Many players played out of positions. But this time everything is sorted," said Shamsher....