Lucknow: After being picked up by Uttar Pradesh Wizards for a whopping $69,000 (Rs. 43 lakhs) which made him the richest goalkeeper in the Hero Hockey India League (HIL), P.R Sreejesh is aiming to live up to the expectations.

Despite boasting of two quality international custodians – Australian George Bazeley and Malaysian Kumar Subramaniam, the Roelant Oltman-coached Wizards went for in-form Sreejesh, who showed stupendous form to steer India to an Asian Games gold medal at Incheon and a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.

The Indian vice-captain was also awarded the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ award in the just concluded Champions Trophy.

“HIL has been an excellent platform to sharpen our skills and tactics. Playing with the best players from all over the world, you realise where you stand and where you aim to be. One learns a lot while playing such tournaments,” the 26-year-old said Monday.

“This year I will aim at giving my best to help my team to reach for the title and living up to the expectations of all.”

Sreejesh said that he along with the likes of star strikers Eddie Ockenden and Jeroen Hertzberger will ensure that Wizards finish on top.

“It will be a treat for me as I will watch from the other end players like Eddie Ockenden, Jeroen Hertzberger, David Alegre, Shea McAleese fighting it out against the opponents and trying to take UP Wizards up the points table.”

Sreejesh earlier played for the now-defunct Mumbai Magicians in the first two editions of the tournament.

The opening day of the League will witness Kalinga Lancers taking on Ranchi Rays in Bhubaneswar Jan 22.