Varun Kumar returns to Indian hockey squad for Germany Test series after clearing sexual harassment charges

NEW DELHI: Defender Varun Kumar, absent from the Indian men's hockey team since February due to sexual harassment allegations, has been reinstated to the squad for the upcoming two-Test series against Germany. The matches are scheduled for October 23rd and 24th in New Delhi.Kumar's return follows his acquittal from all charges related to the allegations made by a former junior volleyball player. In February, Bengaluru police had charged him under the Pocso Act after the 22-year-old woman accused him of sexual assault. However, Hockey India sources confirmed that Kumar has been cleared of all charges, paving the way for his return to the national team.This series marks Kumar's first appearance for the national team since missing out on the Paris Olympics and the Asian Champions Trophy. His inclusion bolsters the defensive line-up, which also features experienced players like Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, and Jarmanpreet Singh.The Indian team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh with Vivek Sagar Prasad as his deputy, will be without star midfielder Hardik Singh, who is recovering from an injury sustained during the Olympics.The series against Germany presents an opportunity for two new faces to make their international debuts: Rajinder Singh and Aditya Arjun Lagate. Both players impressed during the recent training camp and will be eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.Chief coach Craig Fulton expressed his excitement for the upcoming series, saying, "We are very excited to take on Germany in the national capital next week. India and Germany have shared a strong rivalry in recent years and we are upbeat about playing in New Delhi."India's squadThe team arrived in New Delhi on Sunday afternoon, ready for the upcoming challenge against Germany. The series promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the world's top hockey nations.