Anirban Lahiri counting on close friend and caddie Chikkarangappa at Tokyo 2020

Anirban Lahiri, India's flagbearer in golf for nearly a decade now, returned from Rio 2016 after finishing in the 57th spot while English golfer Justin Rose took home the gold at the men's individual tournament.

The Bengaluru-golfer will, however, have another tilt at the podium at Tokyo 2020. He is, thus, trying to cover all bases ahead of the Olympic Games and opted for the services of his close friend and ace Indian golfer S Chikkarangappa as his caddie for Tokyo 2020.

"The idea behind Chikkarangappa coming with me was very simple, he's a fantastic player, and was in line to qualify (for Tokyo 2020). Unfortunately, this particular Olympics it wasn't to be," Lahiri told Olympics.com.

It was a tactical move from Lahiri as Chikkarangappa has not only grown up with him in the city of Bengaluru but also played a lot of golf with him to understand his game. Besides that, the premier Indian golfers train under the same coach, Vijay Devecha.

Moreover, Lahiri believes it will be a win-win situation for both of them, as the Tokyo 2020 experience will be crucial.

"He (Chikkarangappa) will be able to help me guide me with his own knowledge and expertise when we are in Japan and also I think an added advantage will be for him to have the Olympic experience because in future he will be at the Olympics himself and that might help him to do well when its his turn," Lahiri told Olympics.com

Chikkarangappa is also leaving no stone unturned ahead of Tokyo 2020 as he visited his coach Devecha in Ahmedabad to take some important notes given that his coach will not be travelling to the Olympics.

"With us getting in (Tokyo 2020) in the last minute, I understand his (Vijay Devecha) inability to come with us," Lahiri said.

"We have been going back and forth for a few things in the last few years, he was in America training with me. I feel comfortable and confident where my game is. We have done a lot of video work over the phone and I'll be in touch with him over the phone," he added.

Lahiri has, meanwhile, slipped to World No. 360 ranking from being at the 348th place last week. His prior experience at the Olympics has taught him that playing at Games requires a different mindset altogether.

"The main difference with the Olympics is that even though golf is an individual sport and professional golf is not necessarily about winning, a lot times when you're not in that position, you can still have a good week," Lahiri said.

"But obviously the Olympics is different as when you're playing the Olympics, you've to keep your eyes on the top three, everything else is not important. You've to be quite aggressive, take a little more risk and be prepared to handle the pressure. In terms of that, you need to have a change in mindset, you've to be more free," he explained.

The men's golf event in Tokyo will feature 60 players. It will be held at the Kasumigaseki Country Club from July 29 to August 1.