If we finish at podium in this World Cup, hockey in India will rise to next level: Dhanraj Pillay

When it comes to hockey, the biggest tournament in the world is the Olympics. But the World Cup is something totally different.

If I have to go down memory lane, the 1994 World Cup in Sydney was the best for me and my team. I was the only player from India who was selected for the World XI team. I also think that was one of our best teams. Jude Felix was the captain, and although we had a few problems within the team, we played really well. We played quality hockey against big teams like The Netherlands and Germany, and we were almost there in the semifinals (India finished 5th).

But for every good memories, there are some bad memories to go as well.

When we went to Pakistan for the 1990 World Cup, those days there was a lot of problems between the two neighbours.

I remember when we landed, as soon as we placed our fir st step on the ground, our next step was into the car. That was done so that no one knows that India has arrived, because there were a lot of Pakistanis waiting for us. Such was the atmosphere then.

We could neither play any of our matches peacefully nor concentrate fully on our game plans. Whenever we played against any team, there was tension. People used to throw things at us, shout at us all sorts of words.

But then, we were very patient. Our coach MP Ganesh told us, "We have to play the game with respect. You're not going to harm any of the spectators, and you're not going to harm any person in Pakistan." I remember these words so well even now.

It is something that holds true even now.

A lot of people say that when you play at home, you play with a lot more freedom. I don't think so. I have played many international matches at home, and there's one thing I've learnt: If you play good, then definitely the crowd will put you on their shoulders. But if you play badly, then you'll have to be prepared to listen to criticism from those same spectators.

But yes, the advantage of playing a mega event like the World Cup in your backyard is that the home crowd will take you to your maximum confidence level. They will cheer you up, you will be treated very well at home. I was in Bhubaneswar for the opening of the refurbished Kalinga Stadium, and it seems each and every hockey fan is waiting to see how India fares.

I have been saying since the 1990s that Indian hockey needs one big victory, either in the World Cup or the Olympics.

If we finish at the podium in this World Cup, hockey in India will go somewhere it has never gone before. It will rise to the next level. Hockey players will also be recognised everywhere. All these players can become household names, and they have a great opportunity to do that.

I feel this competition will be tough for all the 16 teams. When I was playing for India in a World Cup, it was a different ball game altogether. Fitness was important, but there was more focus on skillful hockey. Skills were all most teams cared about, especially Australia, India, Pakistan, The Netherlands etc.

In our times, the gap in skills was so wide that we could beat teams like Malaysia and Belgium even after waking up from our sleep. It is not the case now because hockey has become more scientific and fitness-oriented, and the other teams are getting good at that.

This tournament is more crucial for us because it is happening in India. It is imperative for India to reach the quarterfinals by hook or crook. After the quarterfinal stage, it is about one good or bad day. But I don't want this team to have a bad day at the office.

India scored 76 goals in five matches at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, but when they had to win a more important match against Malaysia, they lost. So, they can't get carried away.

I wish each and every member of the team remains focussed over the next 20 days, and the same goes with the coaching and support staff. My only advice to the players is this: whatever plans are made by coach Harendra Singh and the other coaches, stick to them. Don't put your guard down and leave your strategy at any time. Stick to that till the last whistle. Be composed, don't get excited, and enjoy the atmosphere.

PILLAY ANALYSES

This core group has been the same for the last four-five years, and except for a couple, none of them are that inexperienced. The fitness level of Indian hockey has risen over the previous few years, and that is very evident.

Defenders: Harmanpreet Singh should be given a free hand to take penalty corners. At times, he reminds me of Pargat Singh. From fullback, after he dodges a couple of players and then hits that long ball, it is unique, something that Pargat used to do. It is crucial to keep his confidence levels high in this World Cup.

Midfielders: Captain Manpreet Singh will anchor the midfield. Chinglensana Singh is also good. He takes the ball from defence all the way to the top of the D. Whatever matches I have seen him play in, he never shows any mercy on the opponent.

Forwards: The forward line will be led by Akashdeep Singh and Lalit Upadhyay. They both good. India is going to miss SV Sunil and Ramandeep Singh, but these are the two who I expect to do well in their absence.

Coach: Harendra Singh has a very good strategic mind. I'm 100 per cent sure that he will play his cards right against the teams in our group (South Africa, Canada and Belgium). He's a very good game planner and strategist.

–Dhanraj Pillay is former India hockey captain who has taken part in 4 World Cups (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002) in an international career spanning from 1989 to 2004. He spoke with Rutvick Mehta