Hockey
‘India needs to improve in defence’: Captain Amit Rohidas
India will take on Germany in the reverse leg of the FIH Pro League 2024-25 after it went down 1-4 against the same opponent on Tuesday.
Amit Rohidas is currently leading the Indian team in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 in Bhubaneswar. (Photo credit: Hockey India)
India captain Amit Rohidas stressed the need for defensive improvement ahead of the team's FIH Pro League 2024-25 match against Germany in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
Germany hammered India 4-1 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Tuesday.
"It was a good match. We created some good opportunities in midfield and won a penalty corner, but we couldn't convert it into a goal. We also need to work on our defence. Despite some small mistakes, we managed to capitalize on ball recoveries in the centre," Rohidas said after the defeat.
Florian Sperling (7’), Thies Prinz (14’), Michel Struthoff (48’), and Raphael Hartkopf (55’) scored for Germany, while Gurjant Singh (13’) scored the lone goal for India.
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s rematch, Rohidas said the team will focus on rectifying mistakes and providing opportunities to young players.
"We will analyze today’s performance through video and prepare accordingly. We have several drag-flickers and defenders in the squad, and we are giving them chances to grow and gain experience at this level," he added.
Reflecting on the loss against Germany, goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak said, "The match was good. We have to finish the chances we created. I think for a team like Germany, we have to be ready defensively as well. We will go and watch the video and will correct our mistakes."
