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India have announced a young squad comprising of numerous promising players for the final phase of the 2016/17 FIH Hockey World League. With the squad missing big names like PR Sreejesh and Sardar Singh, it will be really interesting to note how they perform under the stewardship of coach Sjoerd Marijne.
Considering the fact that they will be playing at home, the Indian team will also carry the immense weight of expectations of the entire nation. The first round of the final, which will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, is set to start on December 1.
During the final of the previous season of the Hockey World League, India managed a creditable third-placed finish. Let us take a close look at five important factors why they may be well placed to do even better this time around.
#5 A peek into the future
The omission of former captain and talisman midfielder Sardar Singh raised plenty of eyebrows. The message was loud and clear as the impetus surrounded the development of promising youngsters likely to form the team's core in the near future. Young defenders such as Dipsan Tirkey will be aiming to make a mark on the tournament.
Apart from defenders Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh and forward SV Sunil, all of the other players are over the age of 26. Removing proven and experienced players in favour of young blood can be risk-laden. The selectors could feel that a youth first policy must be adopted in view of major tournaments like Commonwealth Games and Champions Trophy next year.
#4 Youth merging with experience
India's problems in defence has been an enigma to the team's passionate supporters. After all, they have produced countless legendary defenders in their illustrious history. Bizarrely though, India always concede late into the game due to a combination of pressure getting to them during big games and bad judgement by the defenders. In this tournament, we will see the experience of Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra combined with youngsters such as Amit Rohidas and Dipsan Tirkey.
The return of drag flicker Rupinder Pal along with the added presence of Harmanpreet Singh should ensure that India's penalty corner options are well covered. Their combined threat will play on the minds of opposition players who may play carefully as to not concede too many penalty corners. Both Lakra and Rupinder Pal are making their comeback in this tournament. Hence, it will be interesting to see how they groom the youngsters.
#3 Impressive recent form
The performance of the men's team has been quite impressive in recent times. A narrow defeat to Australia in the 2016 Champions Trophy final was followed by a third place finish in the 2017 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. In October 2017, India emerged as winners of the Asia Cup with a relatively young side. The system employed by coach Marijne was absorbed by the young Indian players who delivered the goods when it mattered. This has underlined the fact that they are capable enough to face any daunting opposition.
Also Read: 5 reasons why India won the Asia Cup 2017
India's focus on counter attacking hockey could be put to severe test by the strong oppositions that they will face. In a fast-paced style, the lion's share of tracking back and going forward depends on how the midfielders fare. With Sardar absent, the onus will be on Manpreet Singh. The tournament will present an ideal platform to a man who idolises Sardar. The experience of SK Uthappa should be vital to the team's fortunes.
#2 Ability to counterattack
When coach Roelant Oltmans was sacked by the board and Sjoerd Marijne was appointed, it was feared that Indian hockey might go through another turbulent phase. However, Marijne's attacking approach seems to be complementing the skills shown by the Indian players. The team has been looking to adopt a counterattacking approach by sitting deep and employing fast players to attack the opposition.
The attack line consisting of Akashdeep, Mandeep, Lalit and SV Sunil should utilise their pace to create opportunities while the rest sit deep to catch the opposition on the counter. It would be interesting how Marijne's approach works out in Bhubaneswar. It is expected that Marijne's focus on a fast-paced counterattacking hockey should not only suit his team in the tournament but also benefit them in the long run.
#1 Vociferous crowd support
Boasting of one of the best facilities for the sport in India, the Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar has transformed truly into a hockey hub. The venue has a history of generating a highly vocal crowd which really intimidates visiting outfits. All opposition teams will be under immense pressure in any match involving India.
India's road to the semifinals is riddled with difficulties as big guns in England, Australia and Germany lay in wait. Historically, Australia has been particularly tough to negotiate for the Indian team. However, the home support factor should hold the players in good stead when the action begins.
By all means, the backing of the local crowd is guaranteed as the venue has been completely sold out for all of India's games. With local boys like Birendra Lakra and Dipsan Tirkey playing, the crowd will root for the 'Men in Blue' to put on a resplendent performance in the tournament.
