In the space of three matches at the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 , India have shown both vulnerability and power.
After scraping past China and Japan by single-goal margins, the hosts unleashed a storm against Kazakhstan, winning 15-0 in Rajgir — a result that was far more than a scoreline. It was a declaration that Craig Fulton’s team is evolving, diversifying, and readying itself for the challenges that lie ahead. At first glance, demolishing the world No. 87 side may appear routine. But context transforms it into something more significant. India had already sealed their Super 4s spot with nervy wins over China (4-3) and Japan (3-2). In both matches, captain Harmanpreet Singh carried the burden, scoring five of India’s seven goals.
Reliance on drag-flicks was a glaring weakness, one that top defenses could easily exploit in crunch games. Against Kazakhstan, India turned that narrative on its head. Eight different scorers contributed. Goals came not just from penalty corners but also from flowing field play. This was not just domination; it was a proof of concept evidence that India could strike from multiple avenues.
The Avalanche of Goals
The script was written from the opening minutes:
- Abhishek scored twice inside eight minutes and would go on to finish with four goals his most assured performance in national colours.
- Sukhjeet Singh found a hat-trick with opportunistic finishes.
- Jugraj Singh added his own hat-trick, including two penalty strokes.
- Harmanpreet, Amit Rohidas, Sanjay, Dilpreet Singh, and Rajinder Singh (his first international goal) joined the party.
By halftime it was 7-0, by full time 15-0. It was relentless, clinical, and deeply symbolic for a side accused of being predictable. India’s record books are dotted with such routs:
- 20-0 vs Sri Lanka (2007 Asia Cup): Pure attacking mayhem.
- 16-0 vs Indonesia (2022 Asia Cup): A must-win rescue mission to survive the group stage, achieved under immense pressure.
The Kazakhstan result is different. India had no qualification arithmetic to solve. This was about rhythm, confidence, and tactical balance an offensive recalibration just before the Super 4s.
Fulton’s Tactical Pivot
Coach Craig Fulton’s emphasis has been clear: India must not be a one-dimensional team. Against China and Japan, they leaned on penalty corners. Against Kazakhstan, they spread the responsibility half the goals from set-pieces, half from open play. This is the evolution India must carry forward. Global hockey’s elite Germany, Belgium, Australia, Netherlands thrive because they score from everywhere. If India can mirror that versatility, they will close the gap.
The Super 4s will bring South Korea, Malaysia, and China back into the picture. None of these teams will surrender space like Kazakhstan. For India, the challenge is to retain the same balance: field players converting chances, drag-flickers adding variety, and the defense staying alert. Abhishek summed it up well after the match: the focus is to “continue this understanding amongst the strikers to do well in the Super 4s.”
India’s 15-0 win over Kazakhstan will enter the record books as one of their largest Asia Cup victories. But more importantly, it stands as a strategic reset proof that this team is learning from its narrow escapes, broadening its attacking palette, and sharpening its belief. It was not just about dismantling a weaker side; it was about rediscovering identity, spreading responsibility, and setting the tone for the matches that will define the campaign.
The true test begins now but India has shown they are ready to fight not as a one-man show, but as a complete, multi-faceted unit.
