Q/ Craig Fulton has been coach for a few months. How has the team adjusted to his style of coaching?
A/ It is about how quickly the players can adjust to the new coach on the field. We have faced no difficulty in doing so; it is just that we have added one or two aspects to the structure [of play]. Overall, it has been a positive experience.
He is an experienced coach; he was with the Belgium team [as assistant coach] and he shares his [learnings] from his journey. This is good for the players and we are trying to adopt everything as quickly as we can.
Q/ One of the main tactical shifts under Fulton has been the focus on defence. How successful has this shift been for you?
A/ No matter how many chances you create up front, a silly mistake in the back can cost you a goal. Earlier, the mentality was that only the defence line would defend; now everyone starting from the forwards are involved in the process. All the players are now actively thinking of what their responsibilities are when they do not have the ball.
Q/ You have additional responsibility as captain. You took over the role from Manpreet Singh, who is still in the team. How was that shift, how does a team come together?
A/ For me and the team, we have the mentality that there is no captain. Everyone who is on the field is a leader in himself. There are times when I might not be doing well and someone comes up to me and tells me to keep going. That gets me motivated.
Q/ Fulton said he likes to coach only in the training sessions and not on the sidelines. That ties into what you are saying about responsibility on field.
A/ That is really important. The coach knows that he is only guiding the players and it is the player who has to perform. It is hard for the coach to communicate during a match because of the crowd and the noise.
Q/ Talking of noise, you have to talk about India-Pakistan matches. Do you do anything different for a Pakistan clash or is it just noise from the outside?
A/ No doubt it is an important match. We are excited to play them and of course there is aggression. However, we have to prioritise our responsibilities. We cannot forget our role in the excitement.
Q/ You have been with the national team for eight years now. Do you see the gap between India and the European teams narrowing? What more needs to be done?
A/ You have to be mentally strong. Earlier, there was this mentality that the Australians, for instance, are too good. But, as hockey has grown, we have defeated all the top teams, that too with a good margin. That gives us confidence and belief.
Q/ The comeback in the Asian Champions Trophy against Malaysia (1-3 to 4-3)…
A/ Even in the Olympics (Tokyo 2020), we were 1-3 down. Going into the dressing room―I am getting goosebumps―it was the juniors who said they had the belief that we could win. It was the same in the ACT. We had talked about being prepared for anything in the final. Whatever the situation, you have to do your job till the final whistle.
Q/ One of the takeaways from the ACT was the fitness of the Indian team.
A/ We spend more than 250 days a year in the Sports Authority of India campus in Bengaluru. We do not regret it because the harder we work, the better it is for the team and for India. As for fitness, we work really hard. We have sessions at 2pm, under the sun. We have different sessions in the gym and for conditioning. We have red (high-intensity) and lighter green sessions on the pitch. The training staff is doing a great job. When the team is fit, there is more confidence.
Q/ How is it having a former player, Dilip Tirkey, as Hockey India president?
A/ Whenever we meet him, he tells us that we already know what to do and does not put any pressure on us. Because he has been a player himself, he knows what a player goes through. He does point out if he sees some gaps in our game but his involvement is minimal. It is a positive support.
Q/ During a major tournament, how do you unwind?
A/ We have team dinners and team activities where we play other sports like cricket, either with a bat or with the hockey stick (laughs). I have some videos; I have hit two or three consecutive sixes from the centre line.
Q/ The cricket team needs some big hitters.
A/ No, no (laughs).
Q/ There is talk of the Hockey India League being revived. Will that help push hockey to a higher level?
A/ It will definitely help. If I have been able to show who I am, it is because of the HIL. I never thought I would be able to play with greats like Jamie Dwyer (Australian World Cup winner). When you play with such players and good teams, you learn a lot and your confidence spikes. It is a great platform, especially for Indian players.
Q/ What are your short-term goals? A win in the Asian Games means direct qualification for the Olympics.
A/ It is a good opportunity and the team is also going well. Our target is to get a direct ticket to Paris.
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