India will resume its Pro League campaign next month with the European leg of the tournament, hoping to turn things around. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who missed the previous leg due to personal reasons, returns to lead the side.
Currently placed eighth among nine teams, India begin their European campaign against the Netherlands and Germany in Rotterdam from June 14 before travelling to London to face England and Pakistan.
“We didn’t start the season well, but are not dwelling on it now because the focus is on the European leg of the Pro League, which is crucial for us in preparing for the World Cup and Asian Games,” Harmanpreet told TOI.
The defender stressed the significance of the upcoming marquee tournaments, especially given India’s long wait for success at the World Cup.
“The back-to-back tournaments are crucial for Indian hockey because we haven’t won a World Cup medal in 51 years and we need to end that wait,” he said. “And, with the Asian Games being our direct ticket to the Olympics, we have to win it to avoid qualifiers.”
Reflecting on the team’s struggles in Australia, Harmanpreet said defensive awareness and individual accountability had become major focus areas during training.
“It is very important that we look at both the goal posts — the one you are attacking and the one you are defending,” he explained. “We are working more on how we can do well defensively as a team.”
He also emphasised the importance of clarity in roles on the field.
“We have worked on individual responsibility because every position has its own responsibility. If everyone is not on the same page, we get punished,” he added.
The penalty corner specialist, who appears leaner and fitter heading into the European leg, underlined the importance of collective responsibility within the squad.
“Although we haven’t had the start we wanted to the year, we haven’t pointed fingers at each other because in a team sport, individually we are nothing,” Harmanpreet said.
“No single player can win or lose a match for the team. So instead of pointing fingers, the focus has been on identifying problems and coming up with solutions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Karnataka goalkeepers Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera have retained their places in the squad. Experienced goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, who missed the previous leg, has been named among the standbys, while seasoned midfielder Manpreet Singh returns to the team after missing out earlier.
Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Suraj Karkera
- Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh (captain), Amit Rohidas, Sumit, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach, Amandeep Lakra, Jarmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh
- Midfielders: Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Rabichandra Singh
- Forwards: Mandeep Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Aditya Lalage, Dilpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Selvam Karthi
