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Indian hockey team have upped the ante at the right time. After two initial hiccups, they have reacted strongly and now entered the semi-finals deservedly. To the delight of the home fans, their opponents in the semi-final is none other than the old nemesis Pakistan. India came out on top in the final of the Asian Games, but they had to dig really deep for the win. The upcoming semi-final is sure to be a tight-rope walk for India as Pakistan would be vying for revenge and what better than to inflict it in front of the home crowd. Nevertheless, India would again be gunning for glory as their performances are hitting new heights.
Sardar Singh- the backbone of the team
Sardar Singh’s calm and composure is truly commendable. Even when mob of forwards attack en masse, he somehow remains unfazed and coolly rescues the ball from danger. His timely interceptions and quintessential cross-field passes has been a real help for India’s cause. His organizing ability at the back and equanimity during attack is world-class. India can win the ever-elusive Champions Trophy as long as Sardar is in top form.
Indian Forwards work-rate is impressive
Indian forwards haven’t set the stage on fire with plethora of goals, but have really impressed with their industrious performances. Their work rate is commendable. They have continuously tracked back to cover their defences and immediately forayed forward to manufacture a counter-attack. However, against the Belgium the strikers also had a gala time as Uthappa, Akashdeep, and Dharamvir singh all chipped in & scored three field goals.
This is good news for the Indian team because India were short on supply in this department. Open-play goals are very critical for the confidence of a forward as it spurs them to score more. India would need more of such endeavours for the final two hurdles.
India’s penalty corner conversion rate is superb
What has actually turned the tide in India’s favour is conversion rate of penalty corners. Rupinder and Gurjinder - two sturdy penalty corner specialists have now become a intimidating factor for the opponents.They are spewing bullets with their sticks and India would need more of it to win the remaining two battles.
