Might appear strange, but true: If Michael Nobbs is in India, he has to thank New Zealand for this.

It was a heavy defeat that India faced, at the the hands of the Kiwis in the last year edition of the Azlan Shah Cup that forced out the then strong going chief coach Harendra Singh.

New Zealand posted highest margin win over India last year, 7-3 defeat to burst the otherwise balanced looking Indian side.

This loss put India out of bronze or fourth place, thus casting aspersions on the very coaching calibre of Harendra.

Harendra’s team drew Australia, defeated England handsome (1-3) before falling flat on the floor to others, the end of which was the Kiwi’s.

The manner in which India failed or made to fail — four second half field goals — awoke the hunting and hungry Hockey India to look for foreign coach.

That’s how we have now Michael Nobbs

Despite a couple of New Zelanders on sick list, they pose big challenge to Micahel Nobbs here in Azlan Shah Cup that unfolds in the next 12 hours.

India would take on New Zealand in the second match after Argentina and Pakistan opens the 21st edition.

Nobbs has packed his team with many new players compared to Harendra’s, though it is in continuum with India’s last four international engagements.