India have been an improved side under the guidance of master tactician Roelant Oltmans, who is the present coach of the Indian team. They are currently ranked world number six, and have put up some good show in the last few months. But the World Hockey League Semifinals, which comprise some quality teams, will prove to be their biggest test in recent times.
India open their campaign with the lowest-ranked side in the competition — Scotland — who will try to test the Indian team. Scotland may not be heavyweights, but if India play weak hockey, anything is possible.
It would be a huge setback for India if they lose to a team like Scotland, as India will have some major ambitions, and aim to reach the semifinals or the final.
If Scotland beat India, they will need their key players, including Chris Grassick and Alan Forsyth, to play out of their skin.
Oltmans' men have all the ammunition in their bag to defeat some big teams in the competition. India will be led by Manpreet Singh in the World Hockey League.
They have always been a huge threat with their penalty corners, but India needs to be more creative in the final third. Midfielders like Sardar Singh should feed good balls to their offensive players like SV Sunil and Akashdeep Singh.
Besides their offence, India will have to be sharp with their defence. Though it has improved in recent times, it can be erratic and could crumble under pressure.
India should treat this game as a warm-up event for other bigger matches against Pakistan and the Netherlands, which are expected to be India's biggest test.
Squads
India – Akash Chikte, Vikas Dahiya, Pradeep Mor, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Jasjit Singh Kular, Harmanpreet Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Sumit, Satbir Singh, SArdar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Harjeet Singh, Ramandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Talwinder Singh, Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh
Scotland – Wei Adams, Tommy Alexander, Russell Anderson, Tim Atkins, Kenny Bain, Michael Bremner, Gavin Byers, Callum Duke, David Forrester, Alan Forsyth, Chris Grassicl, Ed Greaves, Gordon McIntyre, Willie Marshall, Lee Morton, Nick Parkes, Jamie Wong
Where to watch live
India vs Scotland hockey schedule
Date: 15th June @ 6:30 pm IST
India: TV: Star Sports 2. Live streaming: Hotstar
England, Scotland: BT Sport. Live Streaming: Watch BT Sport.
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