Factfile: How Michael Nobbs fared as India coach (June 2011-June 2013)

Coach Michael Nobbs of India talks to his team during practice ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic Park on July 23, 2012 in London, England. (Getty Images)

34^th FIH Champions Trophy (December 1-9, 2012):

Hockey fans who were frustrated to the hilt watching the Blueshirts cut a sorry figure in London, had something to rejoice as India under new captain Sardar Singh performed beyond expectations to reach the semi-finals of the 34^th Champions Trophy before they had to settle for the fourth place after losing the bronze medal play-off tie to Pakistan.

Things started to look up for Nobbs as hockey lovers felt that giving a fair run to the Australian was justified.

Second Asian Champions Trophy (December 20-27, 2012):

India gave a good account of themselves in the second Asian Champions Trophy in Doha. The Blueshirts finished runners-up losing 4-5 to arch-rivals Pakistan in a fast-paced final encounter marred by poor umpiring.

India had put it across Pakistan 2-1 in the league phase, but in the final they were robbed of a win by the Korean umpire. Nobbs was beginning to attract praise among hockey fans after two decent showings in Melbourne and Doha.

FIH Hockey World League Round 2 event (February 28-24, 2013):

India won the FIH Hockey World League Round 2 event held in New Delhi in emphatic fashion. Save for a tense 3-2 win over Ireland, India made a mockery of most other teams en route to their passage in the HWL Round 3.

India inflicted two big defeats on Fiji and Oman – 16-0 and 9-1 to prove that they were without a shadow of doubt the best team in the event

22^nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (March 7-17, 2013): India rested three key players – Sardar Singh, Vokkaliga Raghunath and SV Sunil for the 22^nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Danish Mujtaba was handed the captaincy responsibilities of a side which feature several youngsters.

India finished fifth in the tournament beating Pakistan 4-2 after earlier beating them 3-1 in the league stage. They even ran Australia close losing to 3-4 in their opening game.

FIH Hockey World Hockey League Round 3 event (June 13-22, 2013):

A full-strength Indian side dented the hopes of the hockey fans, coming up with a hugely disappointing performance and failing to seal its 2014 World Cup berth. India did not win a single game in the league phase, which cost them dearly as they finished sixth among eight teams.

Calls for Nobbs’s sacking became more pronounced, something which happened in due course as he resigned after SAI and Hockey India expressed their unhappiness over his non-performance.

Michael Nobbs’ win-loss record as coach

Matches coached: 81 | Wins: 38 | Losses: 32 | Draws: 11