Bhubaneswar, Dec. 28: Kalinga Lancers, the team from Odisha, is all pumped up for the fourth edition of Hockey India League (HIL) scheduled to kick-start on January 18. The team, which is making its third appearance in the league, will play with a new coach and a new captain.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Rajya Sabha member and team mentor Dilip Tirkey said the new lot was a well-balanced one with a good combination of experienced foreign and domestic players.

"While the presence of foreign players such as Mortiz Fuerste and Matthew Willis would give the home team the required edge over others, Indian players such as Devindar Walmiki, S.K. Uthappa and Dipsan Tirkey would provide the perfect balance to the team," said Tirkey.

In the opening match, the host Kalinga Lancers would play with Uttar Pradesh Wizards on January 18 at Kalinga Stadium. In the other matches to be played here, the Lancers will take on Dabang Mumbai on January 21, Delhi Wave Riders on February 5, Punjab Warriors on February 7 and Ranchi Rays on February 8. The home team would start its practice on January 10 at the Kalinga Sports Complex.

Last year's captain Vickram Kanth is not part of the team this year and the new captain is yet to be announced. The addition of German player Moritz Fuerste is considered as the biggest strength. Moritz was named the Euro Hockey League's most valuable player in 2007-08 and 2009-10. He had also captained Ranchi franchise, which went on to become the champion in the first edition of HIL in 2013.

Tirkey further said that appointment of Mark Hager as the coach was one of the highlights. "Our team has a number of Australian players and Hager had coached the Australian team in the past. This would be helpful for our team," said Tirkey.

Kalinga Lancers' performance in the last two seasons has not been noteworthy. In the second edition of the HIL last year, Lancers only managed to win two matches. This year, the home team were able to win only three matches. In 2014, the team finished last in the points table though it went on to secure the fifth position. In all, six franchises are taking part in the tournament this year.

However, Tirkey hoped the Lancers would reach the semi-final this year. "The aggression of young players and the experience of international players would come handy. Besides, the support of the home crowd would also work in our favour," said the Olympian and former captain of Indian Hockey team.