India’s hockey team, whose participation in the Champions Trophy through an FIH wild card attracted ridicule after their last-place finish at the London Olympics, miraculously find themselves on top of the Group A table. Even ahead of reigning Olympic champions Germany and England after two wins in two games. In fact, in either group, India are the only team who are yet to drop points.

Sardar Singh & Co followed up their 3-1 result against England in the opening game with a 4-2 win over New Zealand, a team they had lost to during their Olympic campaign (then again, they had lost to every team they had played against in London). On Tuesday, they face Germany, smarting from a 4-1 loss against England, and a win or a draw will ensure they end the round-robin stage of this competition on top of their group.

So what has brought about this sudden change? A team that just couldn’t seem to win in July-August, looks convincing — if not quite invincible — in December. That too after having replaced half a dozen experienced campaigners with novices in the squad.

To put this performance into perspective, India still are one of the more stable teams in a competition that has seen top European teams in India’s half sending their second-rung sides. India have 10 players who were there in the Olympics and before, as compared to only three for Germany and five for England/Great Britain, as the other teams in Group A are also using this platform to try out their up-and-coming players.

But to be fair to the Indian team, the Kiwi side that they defeated 4-2 had the same core — 10 players — who had beaten them in the Olympics. So, it’s difficult to deny that India’s freshmen have brought in a sense of urgency to the team. “It’s been a good start and I hope the boys will keep improving,” said coach Michael Nobbs. “They are a very enthusiastic lot.”

New format

However, these group stages results don’t mean much because, under the new format, all teams qualify for the knockout quarterfinals. Still, facing, say, a Belgium (who are languishing at the bottom of Group B) is better than facing an Australia or Netherlands.

More so because in Group B, most teams have fielded near full-strength squads. Australia, seeking redemption after the disappointment of failing to win gold in London, also have 10 players from the team in London, including captain Jamie Dwyer, in their ranks. The silver medal-winning Dutch have 12 players from the Olympiad, while Pakistan have retained as many as 13.

So, to avoid a tricky quarterfinal match-up, Nobbs’ lads will have to do better than not losing the match against Germany, who have peformed far below their lofty standards.

Meanwhile, there were few worries for India on match eve. Midfielder Manpreet Singh and striker SV Sunil picked up niggles against New Zealand and were likely to be rested, while captain Sardar Singh also complained of a stiff shoulder.

“Manpreet is an enthusiastic youngster and he’s keen to play, but we’ll decide tomorrow,” said Nobbs.

As they face the two-time reigning gold medallists from the Games, India will do well not to get overawed and remember that their opponents aren’t quite the same unit there were in London. Just like themselves.

India vs Germany: live on Ten Sports at 12 noon