India vs New Zealand in Paris 2024 Olympics: Player ratings for Harmanpreet Singh's team from their 3-2 win
The Indian team started their campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a hard-fought 3-2 win over New Zealand. Though this victory was a positive result for the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalists, there were plenty of shortcomings in India's effort on the day.
The Indian players played diffidently and allowed the Black Sticks to have the upper hand in the midfield. If they are honest with themselves, India would feel they have got away with a below-average performance in this match.
The winning goal came from captain Harmanpreet Singh who converted a penalty stroke in the penultimate minute of the match. This was apt as Harmanpreet led India from the front and was one of the best players on the day.
To further examine the Indian team's performance in their first match of the Summer Olympics 2024, here are the player ratings for the game.
Player ratings for Indian men's hockey team from their match vs. New Zealand
Jarmanpreet Singh - 7/10
As is usual with him, Jarmanpreet Singh was very busy throughout the match. His special skill in collecting overhead passes cleanly was seen umpteenth time today as India used the aerial ball a lot.
Jarmanpreet held his ground in defense and didn't commit any major errors. It was a decent performance from the defender from Punjab.
Abhishek - 7/10
Abhishek did have some good moments in the game but he would feel he could have done more.
The Indian forwards were up against a solid Black Sticks team who were exceptional with their markings. Finding ways through their defense was difficult. Abhishek also found it hard to overcome the New Zealand team's defensive wall.
Manpreet Singh - 7.5/10
The former India captain had a decent outing on a day where the midfield was dominated by the opposition. Manpreet was astute with his passing and was able to get around the New Zealand players.
Hardik Singh - 4/10
India's best player over the last couple of years, Hardik Singh had a surprisingly bad game. Usually, the ace midfielder is a reassuring presence for the Indian team in the center of the pitch.
However, against New Zealand, Hardik was incredibly diffident, even negative in his play. His lack of assertion meant that the Indian team seldom moved down the center in their attacks.
For a player who is known for his dribbling skills, Hardik was extremely hesitant to go into one-on-one battles with the opponents and also committed some errors. Being India's most valuable player, he needs to come good in the coming matches.
Mandeep Singh - 8/10
Mandeep has justified the faith shown by Indian selectors in picking him for the Summer Olympics 2024. The forward was very active in the match and even fell deep into his own half to retrieve the ball and launch attacks on the opposition half.
He also scored the opening goal, swooping down like a hawk on a loose ball in the aftermath of a penalty corner and giving his team an equalizer. The striker has regained his form.
Harmanpreet Singh - 8/10
Harmanpreet Singh didn't just score the winning goal, he was among the best players for India in the match. Using his brilliant skills, the India captain played a leading role in both attack and defense.
Though he would be disappointed at not converting any of the penalty corners he took, the penalty stroke goal was a more than sufficient reward. On a day when Indian players were too reticent, Harmanpreet stood out for his positive play.
PR Sreejesh - 7.5/10
Playing in his last international tournament, PR Sreejesh showed why he is an Indian hockey legend. The goalie from Kerala made great saves and despite being outshone by his opposite number - New Zealand's Dominic Dixon, who was stupendous - held his own.
Sumit - 6.5/10
The Indian defense was reasonably good on the day and Sumit didn't let his team down either.
Raj Kumar Pal - 7/10
Though India's midfield wasn't at its best, Raj Kumar Pal's performance was reasonably good.
Amit Rohidas - 8/10
India's defensive wall, Amit Rohidas played extremely well, especially in the first half. He was crucial in keeping the Black Sticks attackers at bay and kept things in control in his team's own half. His astute defending and clean tackles proved crucial for the Indian team.
Sukhjeet Singh - 5/10
Among India's attackers, Sukhjeet Singh was rather invisible. He didn't make too many incisive moves into the opposition territory. The brilliant marking from the Black Sticks didn't allow him to be his usual self.
Gurjant Singh - 6/10
Gurjant was also not as effective on the day as India would have wanted. He also picked up a green card, which added to his difficulties.
Sanjay - 7/10
The tall defender played his part well in the match. Sanjay was one of the players who came into his own in the final quarter and asserted himself more against the opposition.
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay - 7/10
Like Sanjay, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay also showed his best in the final quarter. The Indian players seemed hesitant to go for one-on-one battles in the first three quarters. This changed in the last 15 minutes and Lalit was among those who brought out his A-game.
In one memorable sequence of play, Lalit weaved the ball past 3-4 players of the opposition to move into the circle. This sort of play should have come earlier in the match.
Shamsher Singh - 5/10
Shamsher Singh was rather anodyne in the contest. There were hardly any noticeable plays from him.
Vivek Sagar Prasad - 8/10
The midfielder from Madhya Pradesh had one of the best matches of his career. He was able to provide dynamism to the Indian midfield and also scored the goal that gave India a lead.