India make the most of home comforts

Today’s win was the result of a fine all-round performance from an Indian team lacking — for the first time in two years — the two seniors Dhanraj Pillay and Baljit Singh Dhillon. Their cause was helped, of course, by the fact that Pakistan too were missing several key players, including star drag-flicker Sohail Abbas; the difference was in how the two teams coped.

The catalyst for India was the midfield, much maligned during the Champions Trophy, which controlled the match. Bimal Lakra, Ignace Tirkey and the gallant Viren Rasquinha — carrying a thumb injury through the match — made up for the absence of the stars; Rasquinha impressed with his neat tackling and tight marking inside the Indian 25-yard while Lakra was the lynchpin in forming the attack.

Behind them, the Indian defenders put in a solid show; new boy Harpal Singh showed fine temperament. There were fewer errors and so fewer penalty corners conceded and, barring the loss of concentration that resulted in Pakistan’s two goals, the defence was tight.

If the midfield provided the gunpowder, Gagan Ajit Singh, the hero of Amstelveen, fired the bullets. Trailing 1-2 at the break after Sandeep Michael had given India the lead, India pulled level through Deepak Thakur. Then Gagan Ajit took over, with a brilliant solo effort to put India in the lead and the final blow three minutes from time.

There was one moment the match could have turned: at 3-2, Pakistan were awarded a penalty stroke. An equaliser at that time could have changed the complexion of the game but Ghaznafar Ali missed.

Gagan always looked a threat inside the D and it became almost impossible for the Pakistani defenders to stop him from scoring. His second goal was an inimitable show of confidence — he moved from the corner of the D to a few metres ahead, dodged past two Pakistan players and decided to hit the ball only after reaching the perfect spot. The goalkeeper could only watch as the ball screamed past him into goal.

However, both teams disappointed with their conversion tactics at the penalty corners. The Indians got three PCs to Pakistan’s four and, though unlucky that their last attempt hit the crossbar, raised the question why Len Aiyappa, designated drag-flicker in place of Jugraj Singh, was not given a shot.

Overall, though, the Indian camp will be satisfied with this performance. There will be stiffer tests ahead but India have passed their first exam with flying colours.