India has to deliver to get a podium finish again

S. Thyagarajan

IPOH: A third successive podium finish for India in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament is now a guessing game.

But coach Harendra Singh is optimistic that his team will figure in the final on Sunday and has dismissed the draw against Egypt as an aberration.

Considering the fact that India has to take on Malaysia, which is in excellent shape, on Wednesday, then the higher ranked New Zealand and finally Pakistan, the task facing the team is daunting.

The team needs a huge dose of self-belief to back up the talent and skill in every segment.

From Dilip Tirkey to Prabhjot and Tushar, the squad is composed of seasoned players compared to the other teams here. The key word is co-ordination, a vital link between the layers and a matching finish to the chances created.

Looking up to Sandeep Singh to come up with a goal every time in a penalty corner sequence speaks poorly of the proficiency of the frontline or the team’s ability to strive for a variation to surprise the rival defences.

The best team on view so far has been Malaysia. New coach Tai Beng Hai has succeeded in injecting a palpable fervour to a team that is beautifully served by veterans like Chua Boon Huat. The two goals Huat struck from a penalty corner variation against Egypt were breathtaking.

The flair of Ismail Abu and the superlative goal-keeping of Kumar have contributed immensely to Malaysia topping the pool.

New Zealand’s goal is well chalked out by coach Shane McLeod — a place in the next World Cup and crossing the persistent hurdle, Australia.

Happy at the result of the first outing against Pakistan on Monday, McLeod exuded confidence over the way in which his team has struck to the tactics.

Egypt is proving to be an enigma as India found itself on the opening day.

The team’s virtue is its aggressive approach and quick individual hard runs to outpace the rival defence.

The Polish coach Jerzy Wybieralski has worked hard in inculcating the European tactics to bemuse the strong Asian squads.

And finally, the woes continue for Pakistan.

With no points yet and beaten comprehensively in both the encounters, its position is unenviable.

The chief coach, Shahid Ali Khan, was at a loss to identify the areas of deficiency.

Recalling once renowned players like Sohail Abbas, Waseem and a few more to bring up the confidence level is viewed as a solution but how far will that move retrieve Pakistan’s reputation remains a huge question mark with only a month remaining for the Asia Cup at Kuantan.

Wednesday’s matches:

Egypt vs. New Zealand; India v Malaysia.