FIH Pro League 2024–25: Defensive Lapses, Over-Reliance on PCs, and a Warning for Indian Hockey
For the third game in a row, the Indian men’s hockey team walked off the pitch with heads bowed—not for lack of effort, but from another result that slipped away due to recurring flaws. In a thrilling encounter against World No. 8 Argentina at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, India went down 3-4, their third consecutive loss in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 campaign.
This was a match that had everything—momentum swings, quick responses, clever penalty corners, and defensive implosions. But for Indian fans, the most pressing question continues to linger: for how long will India depend on penalty corners to stay in games? And more importantly, what’s the plan moving forward towards the 2026 World Cup and 2026 Asian Games?
A Familiar Start, A Familiar Pattern
India have now conceded early in each of their last three matches. Against Argentina, the script was no different—Matias Rey put the South Americans ahead within three minutes. Every single quarter in this match saw India concede in the opening minutes. That kind of frailty is not just tactical; it’s psychological.
Even though India responded admirably through Harmanpreet Singh’s penalty stroke and Abhishek’s field goal, Argentina continued to carve open the Indian defence almost at will. Goals from Lucas Martinez (17’), Santiago Tarazona (34’), and Lucio Mendez (46’) exposed an Indian backline that lacks cohesion, anticipation, and accountability.
Harmanpreet and the PC Crutch
Let’s not take anything away from Harmanpreet Singh, who remains one of the most prolific penalty corner specialists in the world. His cheeky conversion of a penalty stroke showed class, and his second goal (another PC) kept India in the fight. But therein lies the problem—this team continues to be dependent on Harmanpreet’s drag flicks to score goals.
Open-play penetration remains a challenge. Despite having pacey forwards like Mandeep Singh and Abhishek, India’s attacking patterns often hit a wall against teams that maintain structure and intercept lines. PCs bail India out often, but that’s a tool—not a strategy.
If opponents learn how to shut down India’s PCs (and several already have), India’s goal output dries up alarmingly fast. That’s not a sustainable blueprint if we are targeting podium finishes in major global tournaments.
Defensive Lapses – A Growing Concern
The Indian defence has looked increasingly brittle. Argentina’s four goals were the result of poor marking, slow reactions, and questionable positioning. On multiple occasions, Indian defenders allowed forwards too much time and space inside the circle.
What’s worrying is that these are not isolated incidents. From the Pro League matches against the Netherlands (1-2 and 2-3 losses) to this 3-4 defeat to Argentina, India have now conceded 9 goals in 3 matches. That’s simply too much leakage at the back.
Errors from senior defenders like Amit Rohidas and Harmanpreet Singh have cost India dearly, and communication among the back four seems off rhythm. Coach Craig Fulton, known for his defensive organization, will need to urgently address this if India are to be competitive at the top level.
India’s midfield, usually a strength, looked disconnected at times during this match. Possession was often lost due to over-ambitious passes or poor distribution. Argentina, on the other hand, read India’s intentions well and intercepted cleanly to launch counter-attacks.
There were glimpses of fluid build-up—particularly in the second quarter—but India lacked that final third composure. The support between midfield and attack was too reactive, which meant Argentina had time to fall back and regroup before facing a serious threat.
A Campaign Slipping Away?
India’s aim in this FIH Pro League campaign was to climb the table and establish dominance ahead of a crucial cycle that includes the Asian Champions Trophy, Asian Games, and Olympic qualifiers. But after three consecutive losses, the team’s campaign is starting to teeter.
Recent Results:
- 🇳🇱 2-1 India
- 🇳🇱 3-2 India
- 🇦🇷 4-3 India
While it’s commendable that India are scoring in every game, the fact remains—they’re conceding more than they score. And that’s a losing formula.
What Needs to Change?
- Defensive Reorganization: India cannot afford to start every quarter on the back foot. Defensive discipline, zonal marking, and anticipation must improve. Quick fixes won’t do—systemic changes are required.
- Diversify Scoring: Harmanpreet cannot be the only consistent source of goals. Players like Abhishek, Lalit Upadhyay, and Mandeep need to convert more field chances. Finishing drills and coordinated moves in the circle are a must.
- Midfield Clarity: Better transitions from midfield to attack can reduce the pressure on defence and create more goal-scoring opportunities. Manpreet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad need to dictate pace and control momentum.
- Mental Edge: Conceding early goals is a mental lapse as much as a tactical one. India must bring a more focused, aggressive mentality into each quarter.
India’s performance against Argentina was spirited but flawed. While the fightback showed heart, the same issues—defensive lapses, slow starts, and over-dependence on penalty corners—continue to haunt the team.
The FIH Pro League is a testing ground, but the real aim is success at the 2026 Asian Games and 2026 World Cup. To get there, India must stop patching up holes with PCs and start building a structure that holds firm under pressure.
The clock is ticking. It’s time to get serious.