3 players who can be game-changers for India in men's hockey at Paris 2024 Olympics
For the Indian men's hockey team to go the distance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it will be imperative for key personnel to play their part while the squad coalesces as a unit on the big stage. The Indians, who have a near-perfect blend of youth and experience in their lineup, can stake claim to be one of the better-balanced sides in the Olympic competition.
While the contribution of each member of the final 16 would count towards the overall performance of the side, a few talismanic players will be expected to provide the extra spark in crucial moments or when the chips are down.
Let's take a look at three game-changers from the Indian team who possess the ability to turn the tide of a contest thanks to their incredible skills.
#3 Amit Rohidas - The one who never flinches despite putting his body on the line
While prolific goalscorers are an asset to any side, the ones who protect their own citadel are no less important.
Amit Rohidas, who has built a reputation for being one of the bravest first-runners in the game today has been at the forefront of India's penalty corner defense for over six years.
Never hesitant to put his body in the line of the scorching drag flicks some of which ricochet off his thighs while others strike his ankle, Amit Rohidas' spectacular rush-outs have saved the day for his side on several occasions.
Now 31, Amit Rohidas, has grown into his role as a dependable defender while also being called upon to take the drag-flicks for India when required.
The lad from Sundargarh who idolizes his Kalinga Lancers ex-teammate, Moritz Fuerste, will be one of the players to watch out for when the Indians get their Olympic campaign underway at Paris 2024.
#2 PR Sreejesh - All set for a memorable swansong at Paris 2024
PR Sreejesh has been known to use every bit of his goalkeeping paraphernalia to prevent the ball from trickling past onto the net.
One of the most vociferous goalkeepers in world hockey whose voice resonates across the pitch, the 36-year-old has played a vital part in many of India's biggest wins, including the bronze-medal game of the Tokyo Olympics.
After announcing that Paris 2024 would be his last tournament, the veteran Indian goalkeeper will be keen to end his illustrious career on a high.
Six drawn games for India at the recent FIH Pro League meant that Sreejesh had the opportunity to test his skills against the best in the business during the shootouts which could prove crucial in the knock-out stages in Paris.
Sreejesh's ability to manufacture back-to-back saves employing a mix of athleticism and sheer instinct may well prove to be invaluable for India during their Paris 2024 campaign.
#1 Harmanpreet Singh - One of world hockey's best drag-flickers faces a big test
Drag flickers have been known to, almost, single-handedly win big matches and tournaments for their teams.
Gonzalo Peillat was the architect of Argentina's gold medal win at the Rio Olympics, while India's former analytical coach Chris Ciriello fired in penalty corner hat-tricks in the finals of the World Cup and Commonwealth Games in 2014.
The Indians now have a drag-flicker who has the reputation of being one of the best in the world having been the top scorer in the elite Hockey Pro League twice in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Since drag-flickers are constantly on the opposition radar, the ability to come up with innovative techniques and variations during crucial moments is what separates the best from the rest.
Even as the Indian captain carries the hopes of the nation on his shoulders, the number of penalty corners that he manages to convert may prove decisive in determining how far the Indians go at Paris 2024.