The Indian hockey team suffered a narrow 4–5 penalty shootout defeat against hosts Australia after a hard-fought 2–2 draw in regulation time in their second match of the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 at the Tasmania Hockey Centre on Sunday.
India looked in control for large phases of the contest after goals from Amit Rohidas (15’) and Jugraj Singh (43’) handed them a two-goal cushion. However, Australia mounted a late comeback through Joel Rintala, who struck twice in the final quarter (47’, 56’) to level the scores and force the game into a shootout.
Australia dominated early possession, pressing India deep into their defensive half with crisp ball movement and patient build-up play. Despite the territorial advantage, the hosts struggled to break through a compact Indian defensive unit that showed discipline and structure in the opening quarter.
India gradually grew into the game and began to threaten on the counter. Their persistence paid off late in the first quarter when they earned a penalty corner. Rohidas stepped up and executed a clinical dragflick to give India a 1–0 lead in the 15th minute, capitalising on one of their few clear opportunities in the opening period.
The second quarter witnessed end-to-end action, with both sides pushing for the initiative. Australia registered 10 circle penetrations in the first half and earned a couple of penalty corners in their bid to equalise, while India recorded nine circle entries of their own through quick transitions. Despite the mounting pressure from the hosts, India’s defensive line held firm to carry a slender lead in to the halftime break.
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Australia resumed the second half with renewed attacking intent, dominating possession and looking to break India’s defensive resistance. However, India’s backline remained resolute, cutting out passing lanes and preventing any clear-cut chances inside the circle.
India then extended their lead late in the third quarter through another penalty corner. Jugraj Singh unleashed a powerful dragflick in the 43rd minute to double the visitors’ advantage, seemingly putting them in a commanding position heading into the final period.
Australia responded swiftly in the fourth quarter. Rintala reduced the deficit in the 47th minute, converting from a penalty corner to shift momentum in favour of the hosts. The pressure intensified as Australia continued to win set-piece opportunities, though India momentarily survived when Yashdeep Siwach produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny another penalty corner attempt.
With time running out, Australia found the equaliser through yet another set-piece situation. Rintala struck again in the 56th minute, converting from a penalty corner to complete his brace and bring the hosts back on level terms at 2–2.
Australia pushed aggressively for a winner in the closing stages, but Indian goalkeeper Mohith delivered an impressive performance under pressure. His series of saves, including a remarkable double stop, ensured India stayed in the contest and forced the match into a shootout.
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The shootout proved to be equally intense, with both teams converting their first four attempts with composure. However, in the decisive moment, Aditya Arjun Lalage’s effort was saved by Australian goalkeeper Jed Snowden, handing the hosts a hard-earned victory in the tie-breaker.
India will now look to regroup ahead of their third fixture of the Hobart leg, where they are scheduled to face Spain on Tuesday, February 24.
All India matches of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 Hobart leg are being broadcast live on Star Sports Select 2 SD+HD and streamed on JioHotstar.
