For the first time in 15 years, India face Pakistan without Dhanraj Pillay. Their performance in this tournament without Dhanraj hasn’t been convincing so far but the forwards returned to form in the previous match against Malaysia.Though Pakistan’s new strategy is to play according to the match situation and not go all out into attack, they can still play havoc in the Indian goal since the latter have a problem in avoiding penalty-corners — grist to Sohail Abbas’s mill. Indeed, Rajinder Singh admitted today that his team needed to be extra careful about conceding PCs.A significant change is needed in the attitude of the Indian think-tank and the players have to be disciplined in their approach on the field. They were able to come back against the Malaysians but it may not be possible against a tactically superior Pakistani team.A few areas where they need to shape up:• The defence should be tightened to take pressure off goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan, who has already saved 10 PCs• The defence and midfield need to support the forwards; the forwardline should also fall back when the pressure is on the defenders• The best eleven — players in form — should be selected for the match. Arjun Halappa hardly got an opportunity against Belgium, Vikram Pillay spent most of the time on the bench against Malaysia. Surprisingly, the only player out of rhythm in the midfield, Baljit Singh Saini, was given maximum time on the turf.• India needs to play attacking hockey, which is their strength. There will be pressure on Pakistan, who are in a transit phase — a strong lobby within the team wants to continue playing their traditional brand.
