India are set to tackle Pakistan on the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday. Host skipper Harmanpreet Singh mentioned that the matches towards Pakistan will assist each the groups in addition to the Asian hockey. He added that the edges ought to play extra towards one another. India have already sealed their semi-final berth, whereas the destiny of Pakistan relies upon closely on their match towards the hosts. Whereas a win will assist the guests enter the knockout stage, a loss will threat their probabilities of advancing to the following stage.

“Matches are necessary for any staff. If we play extra matches collectively, it would absolutely assist us and Asian hockey as a complete. However, all of it is determined by the state of affairs, and I really feel we must always play much more towards one another,” Harmanpreet mentioned through the press convention forward of the match.

Requested why the rivalry between the 2 sides has turn into much less intense as in comparison with earlier instances, Harmanpreet mentioned, “It (the rivalry) has turn into much more totally different now. Each have been superb groups again then. But it surely’s not that we’re profitable simply towards them (now).

“They’ve the identical mentality, taking part in types are similar and so they additionally play attacking hockey.”

Indian play worldwide matches frequently and is presently ranked fourth on this planet. Pakistan, alternatively, don’t play too many matches nowadays and so they have slipped to sixteenth on this planet. They even didn’t qualify in two consecutive Olympics (2016 and 2021) and 2023 World Cup.

“We (India) are taking part in extra matches, which helps us lots. They (Pakistan) giving probabilities to children is an efficient step,” Harmanpreet mentioned.

India have been inconsistent by way of scoring frequently from penalty corners. Nevertheless, the captain feels that there isn’t any must tinker with their direct-shot strategy, saying it will be efficient through the upcoming Asian Video games.

“So far as the PC is anxious, we aren’t doing a lot variation to it and principally going for a direct shot. I believe we will use it through the Asian Video games.

“It is necessary for the drag-flicker to analyse the defenders speeding in. So, it is good studying for us forward of a serious competitors,” mentioned Harmanpreet, among the finest drag-flickers on this planet.

He famous that India has been taking part in a few of its video games utilizing the half-court tactic, which appears to be working properly. Elaborating on the identical, Harmanpreet mentioned that a variety of work was achieved on the identical through the pre-event camp.

“We labored lots on this (half-court) and we received fairly a great outcome from it. We wait to counter-attack since we’re well-known for it. So, I’m glad that we’re doing properly in it, and we’re constantly engaged on how we get higher at it.

“There may be all the time room for enchancment. We struggled within the opening two video games as we could not end them correctly. However we now have been clicking within the final couple of matches. We have to convert our probabilities shortly, in addition to sustaining the strain on the opponent and never give away simple probabilities,” he mentioned.

(With PTI Inputs)