"The team changes that we made were helpful as we could check our strength. We all know Sreejesh (who was rested for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup) is one of the best players of the country. Sardar is also a very matured player.
Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay said the current team is looking confident ahead of the all-important 2016 Rio Olympics in August, and that the new format might suit the Indians.
"When I met the team in Bengaluru two months ago, the team was looking very confident," Pillay told dna here on Friday. "Every player is working hard as the countdown to Olympics has begun. The positive thing is that the format has changed. Having said that, India is in a tough pool, having likes of Australia and Germany and other strong teams as well. But according to me, India is far superior than those teams. I feel that we will perform pretty well and at least reach the quarterfinals."
Head coach Roelant Oltmans has chopped and changed players over the past couple of months, choosing to rest some key players including captain Sardar Singh for the upcoming Champions Trophy in London. Some experts reckon the move could break the rhythm of the team just months ahead of the Games, but Pillay backed Oltmans's tactics.
"The team changes that we made were helpful as we could check our strength. We all know Sreejesh (who was rested for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup) is one of the best players of the country. Sardar is also a very matured player.
These two are certainties for the Olympics.
"We made many changes during Sultan Azlan Shah because the coach wanted to see our strength without Sreejesh. And it paid off for us, as we reached the final. By not sending Sardar, the coach would have made some plans. They would want to see the fitness of other players. Champions Trophy is a big tournament and it would be our last (big) tournament before Rio Olympics. So, it would be a good arena to check our strength," the four-time Olympian said.
The Indian defence has been its weakness for quite some time now, but according to the legend, the team needs to improve in its goal-scoring as well.
"Penalty corner and goal-scoring are the areas where they should improve. They should not be lethargic when they are taking a hit in the goal. If they are 100 per cent sure, only then should they try and score a field goal.
Else, they should go for penalty corners. Also, if they can create opportunities by just passing, then they must do it. They shouldn't be individualistic," he said.
The legend also warned players of picking up injuries before the mega event, and wanted them to focus on their fitness.
"Everyone should be careful about injuries, with such less time to go for the Olympics. They should concentrate on their fitness, and, more importantly, should enjoy the game," he said.
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