The Indian hockey team’s fortunes are like a cycle of emotions, with unexpected triumph, high hopes, big events hype, and inevitable disappointment, which leads to a new cycle starting all over again. The recent cycle, which started with the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, led to heightened expectations for sustained success, but the disappointment of the 2023 World Cup led to the exit of a quarter-dozen staff members.
The FIH Pro League marked yet another beginning in this infinite cycle of emotions in the life of hockey hopefuls, as it proved to be the perfect testing ground for India’s inexperienced team to try out new game strategies ahead of major competitions. The results of the Pro League need to be taken objectively, with the primary focus on the intangibles.
India’s unbeaten run in a recent mini-series, which featured Germany and Australia, provided incoming coach Craig Fulton with a better understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, and shortcomings of the team. The recent series was a fresh start, offering renewed hope following the World Cup disappointment.
World Cup Struggles
The Indian team struggled with fitness, lacked clarity and communication regarding player roles and selections, and seemed to have no back-up plans. Senior players were also absent from the crucial tie-breaker against New Zealand, leaving many questions unanswered. There were rumors of camps and favorites within the team, but the interim coach managed to turn things around in just over a month.
Flair and Fearlessness
The recent mini-series witnessed an entirely different Indian team, which played with flair and fearlessness, unwilling to take their foot off the pedal under pressure, and sticking to their game plan regardless of the game’s state. The attack was much improved, with a new forward line that showcased skill, speed, and tactical awareness.
The competition for spots among the forwards made the team stronger, and their selflessness in attack bodes well for the team’s future. Workhorses Rabichandra Singh and Vishnukant Singh demonstrated game intelligence through their passing and pressing, but discipline remains an area of concern.
Old Faces in New Roles
The team management’s decision to move players from their established roles worked well, with Manpreet Singh playing deeper in defense, Hardik Singh moving the game through the center, and drag-flicker Jugraj Singh providing solutions to multiple problems. Dilpreet Singh, who has always played upfront, kept the midfield together admirably, showing his natural brilliance.
India’s recent performances offer the new coach a better sense of his resources, but it is too early to call it a new beginning, given the team’s history. Hockey India has yet to finalize the support staff for the team, including the key positions of scientific advisor and analytical coach. A full-time mental trainer, a long-held demand, is still an elusive position.
However, the players themselves might have given Fulton the tools he needs for India to win the Asian Games in six months’ time and qualify for the Paris Olympics.