After a series of poor performances in the recent months, including the sixth place finish at the World Hockey League, Michael Nobbs has been sacked as the Chief Coach of Indian Hockey Team.

Under Nobbs’ leadership, India had finished at the bottom at the London Olympics. According to Hockey India Secretary General Narinder Batra, Nobbs had himself decided to resign. However, the media reports claimed that he was reluctant to go and hence, was sacked.

Former Coach Maharaj Krishan Kaushik has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Nobbs. His name has already been sent to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for approval. Kaushik will have a tough task in hand during the next month’s Asia Cup, which is crucial from India’s perspective. India need to win that tournament to confirm a berth in the World Cup.