India’s hopes of progressing at the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup 2026 will face a stern test when they take on arch-rivals Pakistan, with former India captain and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh stressing the need for defensive discipline, composure and a return to the team’s natural attacking game.
Speaking to JioStar, Sreejesh analysed India’s tactical approach after their defeat to England and backed the team to respond strongly against Pakistan. He highlighted the evolution of India’s formation while calling for greater defensive awareness.
“The Indian men’s hockey team has been playing a new formation for the past year and a half. That formation mostly forces us into defense, but in the recent Pro League, we pushed up and pressed hard in many matches. One important thing is that we need to stay compact in defense when playing against European teams. Otherwise, we should play our natural game in the World Cup.”
Sreejesh also urged India not to retreat too deep, emphasising the importance of pressing higher up the pitch.
“We should not drop too deep. We need to step out, press high, and defend even beyond the center line.”
The former captain also praised Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership, explaining that a hockey captain’s biggest responsibilities often come away from the pitch.
“Harmanpreet Singh is a very good captain. On the pitch, a captain’s influence is limited because you cannot control every move or player.”
Sreejesh believes India’s progress in fitness, strength and decision-making has changed the nature of India-Pakistan contests. He pointed out that India have also developed the ability to score late rather than concede in crucial moments.
“Conceding goals in the last quarter or final minutes used to be a problem for us, but that is no longer the case. Now, we are the ones scoring late to win matches.”
On the rivalry itself, Sreejesh acknowledged Pakistan’s potential but suggested that the current side does not possess the same level as previous generations.
“Pakistan still have potential, but their current team’s level is not the same as before,” he concluded.