India's Hockey Team Faces Reality Check in Australia

India's hockey team faced a rude awakening in their recent five-Test series against Australia, losing 5-0 in Perth. The defeat exposed glaring weaknesses in the team, particularly in their inability to score field goals and their poor defensive work.

Vice-captain Hardik Singh acknowledged the wake-up call, stating that the team had been under the illusion that they were performing well. He emphasized the need for constant alertness and proactivity in international hockey.

The series against Australia, a team with a rich Olympic history, was crucial for India as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. However, instead of building on their strengths, the Kookaburras exploited India's weaknesses.

India's forwards struggled to score field goals, managing only two in five matches. Hardik pointed out that the forwards need to work harder and be more aggressive in the opposition's 'D'.

Defensively, India's man-to-man work was inadequate, and they failed to capitalize on counterattacks. The team's lack of consistency, due to constant chopping and changing, also contributed to their downfall.

Despite the setback, Hardik expressed confidence that the team will not be affected mentally. He highlighted the importance of a positive mindset and the support of mental health expert Paddy Upton.

India will face Australia again in their last group match at Paris, which could determine their qualification for the knockouts. Hardik emphasized the need for tactical improvement and a unified mindset to overcome the challenge.

The team is currently in Antwerp, preparing for their remaining Pro League matches against Belgium, Argentina, Great Britain, and Germany. They are focused on getting back to winning ways and addressing their weaknesses before the Olympics.

Tags: #IndianHockey, #Hockey, #Australia, #Perth, #HardikSingh