NEW DELHI, Nov. 6 -- Graham Reid had shocked the Indian hockey ecosystem four years ago when he had selected a six-match old Shamsher Singh over the more experienced Akashdeep Singh for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The former India chief coach had a lot of faith in the attacking midfielder's skill and speed. And the gamble 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 Indian team to win medals at every major competition since then including the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the 28-year-old has now fallen out of favour with the selectors. With new players like the highly rated Rajinder Singh or Raj Kumar Pal, among others, emerging in the midfield, Shamsher has lost his spot in the squad. He recently was not even selected for the 33 core probables for the national camp. "It is the selection committee's decision. They want to give chances to youngsters. I will just do what is in my hands and continue playing hockey which is my passion. I will continue working hard, focus on my game," said Shamsher, who has played 111 matches for India. "There's always outside noise. (India coach) Craig (Fulton) just told me to keep practicing. Of course, it is disappointing. But I can only control what is in my hands. I will do what I can. I will try and perform in the (Hockey India) League (HIL)." 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. The RP Singh-led selection committee is also keen on infusing young blood into the team. But Shamsher hasn't given up in his quest to return to that team. "We should always be hopeful. Only then can we play well. The main focus is to polish my skills further and I think I can do better. I will analyse my game, see the areas where I can better my game, perhaps do more in the attack. The main thing is that I keep my fitness at a level where I can perform well," said Shamsher, a DSP with Punjab Police. Shamsher is eyeing the HIL to showcase his skills from where he can make a return to the Indian team....