The score: 5-3, time for a huddle

PC UPGRADE

Long a national achilles heel, the Indians showed a novel deftness and confidence in taking, and converting, penalty corners. The problem used to be a lack of variety; if the drag-flick went wrong the hitter was put to work; if both failed then divine intervention was sought. Cologne was a refreshing change: the team came with almost half a dozen variations, the precise execution of which was a revelation. One could almost see the Indians putting on their thinking caps every time a strategy didn’t quite click. They changed tack, and fast: if drag-flicker Jugraj Singh failed to find the net with his scoop, hitter Dilip Tirkey was brought on, but with a clever mix of the variations.

MIDFIELD MARSHALS

For a team lacking experienced midfielders, the adivasi duo of Bimal Lakra and Ignace Tirkey not only filled the gaps admirably but held out hope for the future. Both are attacking midfielders who can skillfully dodge past any rival defence. Ignace was the most impressive player along the halfline, improving with every match. On the other hand Lakra, more innovative by nature, tightened his game towards the final phase. At this stage of their career, both players need more exposure against top teams and some experts feel that they and Indian hockey, would gain heavily if the duo play in the European league. They point to Waseem Ahmed, the Pakistan schemer who plotted India’s defeat in the bronze playoff, who made rapid progress after a stint with Hamburg in the German league.

HIGH SPIRITS

These were players accused by their coach — a few months ago — of being insensitive to defeat and victory alike. So it was heartening to see their spirits and confidence rising after each match. One image that will remain in the mind is that of 22-year-old Gagan Ajit Singh racing to his teammates after scoring the third goal against Pakistan in the play-off match. The Indians had the youngest team in the championship but they probably dished out the most attractive hockey in the championship. The high spirit in the team was infectious and carried on to goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan who gained confidence after a poor start.

THE ARTFUL DODGER

Every international sporting event throws up a star who streaks across the firmament. This was Dhanraj Pillay’s turn, and the 34-year-old grabbed it with both hands. The ace dodger and dribbler played with the energy of someone who was just starting his career. At his age, Pillay still plays ‘Total Hockey’ and wears his various caps — defender, schemer and attacker — with the ease of a veteran. With his legendary speed burst, Pillay was instrumental in saving several penalty corner goals. Pakistan’s Sohail Abbas, rated among the best in the business, was rendered ineffective by Pillay, his dash so quick off the goalline that the flick would stop dead, travelling at 70 miles an hour, just inches after being air-borne.

TALKING TACTICS

You’ll ask, of course, what tactics? Don’t Indians just wing it? Indian coaches have traditionally not scored in this domain and still lag behind the Europeans and Australians but there was rare praise for chief coach Rajinder Singh. What was interesting was his brand of attacking hockey: there were no outright attacks from the start. Instead, breaking from tradition, the Indian forwards relied more on swift counter-attacks and raided in waves, then fell back when the situation demanded. The proof of the success was the fact that the Indians scored 16 goals in six matches. At the same time, the team played with caution. The players didn’t just walk blind into situations but took stock before acting. Interestingly, both India and Pakistan deployed tight marking against each other in the league, another departure from tradition.