KOLKATA: Indian Men’s Hockey Team Prepares to Take on Australia in Five-Match Test Series

The Indian men’s hockey team is gearing up for a tough challenge as they prepare to take on Australia in a five-match Test series in Perth starting Saturday. Coach Craig Fulton is well aware of the team’s current standing and the areas they need to work on to reach the top three in the world rankings.

In an exclusive interview with TOI, Fulton emphasized the team’s need for consistency and improvement in scoring. Despite a decent performance in the Pro League matches, the coach admitted that the team needs to work on finishing and converting chances into goals.

Fulton also highlighted the importance of playing outside India, as all major tournaments will be held abroad in the coming years. He stressed the need for the team to adapt to different playing conditions and maintain a strong focus, especially when playing in front of a home crowd.

The coach is also focused on developing young talent and giving them valuable game time during the series in Australia. Players like Araijeet Singh Hundal, Mohammed Raheel, Amir Ali, and Boby Singh Dhami have impressed Fulton, and he is keen on nurturing their skills and tactical understanding of the game.

With mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton on board, Fulton is confident in the team’s mental preparation and believes that it will play a crucial role in their success. As they aim to finish on the podium in Paris, the coach is optimistic about the team’s progress and is looking forward to a successful series against Australia.