Real test starts now

Although the Indian team touched new levels in Delhi, it still needs improvement in many areas.

The first question that popped up in front of the players and the coach Michael Nobbs following India’s stunning 8-1 victory over France in the final of the FIH Olympic Qualifiers was on the possibility of a medal at the London Games.

Such was the euphoria the team generated during the last week with one splendid victory after another that one couldn’t be blamed for getting bowled over and forgetting the stark reality that India were fighting it out with the lesser mortals of world hockey, teams that had occasionally given us a run for our money.

Yes, in the end, the task was accomplished with panache in front of a passionate and hungry crowd that lapped up every moment, giving fresh impetus to the national game.

Roaring victories over unknowns Singapore and Italy, followed by spirited shows against France, Canada and Poland powered India to the final where they bullied dark-horses France into submission with a clinical display. The biggest positive of the tournament, where India scored a staggering 44 goals, is the return of the old style of attacking play that revolves around short quick passes and bursting runs down the flanks and centre; executed relentlessly thanks to the high fitness level of the players.

Ever since he took charge seven months ago, Nobbs has repeatedly stressed that the only way India could climb up the ladder is by playing the way they used to during their glory days but in a more methodical and strategic way – similar to what his country Australia does. Almost everything went according to the plan for him and his boys as opponents after opponents failed to contain the relentless assault that was thrown at them. However, the same cannot be said of the teams that will take the pitch at the London Olympics where India will be thoroughly tested.

Although an average of 7.3 goals a game in the Qualifiers may look flattering, only 25 of the 44 were field goals with 23 coming against Singapore and Italy. While the strikers have to be credited for setting up penalty corner opportunities which Sandeep Singh cashed in on brilliantly, Canada, Poland and  even France showed that resolute defending can tie India down. There were moments when the strikers found it tough to penetrate the extremely tight marking, prompting them to look for short corners which won’t be easy to come by against the more skilful and resolute Australians, Germans, the Netherlands, Spain and Great Britain.

India also have work to do in the defence, which is as important as the strike force to win matches. Many a time in the past India have faltered due to woeful defending, especially during the closing stages, and the backline will be tested further in the coming months as the country plays build-up tournaments against the powerhouses before travelling to London.

The very strategy to always keep the foot on the accelerator will come under severe scrutiny against teams sharp at cutting supplies from the midfield and with an ability to deliver crosses into the circles with a couple of touches.

While Sandeep and V R Raghunath have put in the extra yards, their tentativeness was very much in evidence, more so on fast counters. Veteran Ignace Tirkey had to be called upon to paper over the cracks and with Rupinder Pal Singh, the only other defender, being not that experienced, Nobbs desperately needs to address this issue over the next four months as he would not want his star central midfielder Sardar Singh falling back often instead of unlocking the rival defences.

Drag-flicking did fetch India plenty of goals in the tournament but Polish keeper Mariusz Chyla showed that Sandeep can be dealt with after producing some fine saves after realising the Indian’s propensity to go aerial more often than not. While Sandeep showed his class later with a low shot to the right, he and Raghunath will have to add more variations if they have to make a mark against the big guns.

A major issue for India is the complete lack of bench strength. The current crop of 18 is the best the country has and with just a handful left to choose from, one needs to pray that they remain fit and in form. With hockey being such a physical sport, Nobbs will have to be very careful with the workload the main players shoulder in order to avoid injuries.

 “Those who witnessed the Indian team felt happy the way we played,” B P Govinda, World Cup winner and Olympian, said. “Nobbs has brought back the Indian style of play and it really augurs well. For the last decade we were swinging from one style to another before realising that our’s is the best method. The number of goals we scored is an indication of the form our strikers are in,” added Govinda, who is also one othe selectors.

“It’s amazing how Nobbs could bring about such a huge change in just six months. I’ve never seen an Indian team as fit as the current one. The team has completely embraced his mantra and is shaping up wonderfully well. Yes, the Olympics will be a different ball game altogether, but definitely the team will improve in the coming months. Development is a process and I am confident that if we play with the same intensity we can challenge the best.

“Our results in major tournaments over the last decade-and-a-half is not great. We will go in as underdogs for the Olympics. We need to use it as a stepping stone for future glory,” he said.

The overall standard has definitely risen since Nobbs took over. Style and fitness have been amalgamated well with a touch of professionalism. Confidence and hope have risen, so will the challenges as the team hits the Road to London.