New Indian Express: Top-notch shows of current crop raises 2020 hopes
LUCKNOW: The one defining moment from the India-England group game on Saturday came not on the pitch but off it. England coach Jon Bleby was speaking about how foreign teams perceive the senior and junior Indian sides.
“I think,” he said, “Against India, we need to defend really well. They’re fast and very attacking, so individually the defence has to be excellent. Also, you can’t play India at their own game. So don’t be ridiculously fast, don’t get caught dribbling. Playing tactically and passing the ball is a good way to play against them. There were times when we were caught playing India at their own game, and that doesn’t suit us.”
That is a pretty big statement from somebody who was Team GB’s assistant coach at the Rio Olympics. This, though, wasn’t an artificial eulogy. The Indian team, across age-groups including seniors, have played thrilling hockey in the last 12-16 months. The aimless sideways passing has been replaced by swift moves, where they have shown an inclination to go from coast to coast in less than 10 seconds.
Even in 2012, the established European order (and Australia) did not think much of India. The status-quo was proved right when India finished last at that year’s London Olympics. Fans (and players) regularly showed the white flag to opposing teams after only a few minutes. On Saturday, the fans wanted more. “We just can’t get enough of you,” may well have been their cry.
England’s blood was being twisted, turned and hung out to dry by a new wave of players. Players, who in four years’ time, could well start for the senior team in Tokyo. Manager Roelant Oltmans is usually guarded with respect to what he says. He was purring on this occasion. “We gave away a few unnecessary cards, and gave away 2 goals in the last 10 minutes, but if we take the first 20 minutes of the second half, and last 10 minutes of the first half, we were brilliant. That’s the hockey I enjoy.”
The presence of young, excitable players means needless bookings are all part of a learning experience, according to the Dutchman. “The cards were completely unnecessary. The tackles were halfway down the pitch, and it occurred because of over-excitement. But this is part of the learning process.” Coach Harendra Singh, who has moulded this side for the last two years, congratulated the side. “We took a very important step today (Saturday) in terms of tactics, as well as technique. We scored field goals, tried variations in penalty corners and counter-attacked. Day by day, improvement is evidently visible. I would like to congratulate the entire team.” Watching Indian teams of the last 10 years, this seemed like a utopian dream. Not anymore by the looks of things.