Will Indian men's hockey team's forwards rise to the occasion at Paris 2024 Olympics?
If there is one area where the Indian men's hockey team seems somewhat lacking ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, it's their ability to score field goals. While Harmanpreet Singh's drag-flicking is among the best in the world, scoring from open play remains a concern.
Things have improved, though, on this front too. On their tour of Australia earlier this year, field goals were almost impossible to come. But in their final set of FIH Pro League matches, the Indian forwards showed a marked improvement. They were more creative and assertive against the opposition.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, The selectors took some bold decisions. They didn't pick Akashdeep Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal. The former is a veteran while the latter has been making rapid strides since coming into the senior squad. Yet, the selectors decided to go into the Summer Olympics 2024 without them.
Mandeep Singh gets the nod despite underwhelming performances
With 244 caps, Mandeep Singh is a veteran forward for India now. He is, by far, India's most capped forward at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, there has been a lack of goals from him in recent past.
Mandeep is a great marksman. He thrives on his ability to position himself astutely in the circle and find the target. However, in the current set-up, where the Indian team sits deep in defense, he has often found himself out of the range of play.
However, there has been an improvement on his part also. He has found ways of getting more involved in play and moving the ball forward, rather than just waiting for it. He also got back into scoring form in the recent set of FIH Pro League matches.
Still, Mandeep Singh needs to do even more. As the senior member of the team, he would need to set down the marker for the rest of the attacking unit.
Sukhjeet Singh and Abhishek emerge as fulcrum of India's offense
In the last few months, Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh have established themselves as India's leading forwards. Both have played around 70 matches and have been doing the bulk of India's attacking work in the last few months.
Abhishek is a very skillful forward who knows how to work the ball through the opposition's defense. Sukhjeet is also a very efficient performer who is also brilliant at executing scoring shots.
The two are likely to be India's workhorses in the forward line in the Summer Olympics 2024.
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Gurjant Singh's role
After Mandeep Singh, Lalit is the most experienced forward in the Indian team. Having been around for a long while, much will be expected of the attacker in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
In some ways, Lalit plays the role that was earlier the preserve of SV Sunil. With the latter no longer around, it is the job of Lalit Kumar Upadhyay to stay high up the pitch and keep the pressure on the opposition's defenders.
Gurjant Singh, on the other hand, has risen to a premier role in recent months. As astute performer, he is known for creating opportunities for his team in the circle.
Both these players will also be crucial in India's campaign in Paris. Overall, the attacking unit has potential and has shown marked improvement since the disastrous tour of Australia where field goals seemed almost impossible.
However, one wonders if the Indian team could have done with the likes of Akashdeep Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal. These two are capable of eliminating defenders through their stickwork and creating opportunities. India would hope that their absence doesn't adversely affect the team's chances.