FIH Hockey World League 2017 Final: 5 reasons to be optimistic of India's campaign

#4 Youth merging with experience

Birendra Lakra is an experienced campaigner

India's problems in defence has been an enigma to the team's passionate supporters. After all, they have produced countless legendary defenders in their illustrious history. Bizarrely though, India always concede late into the game due to a combination of pressure getting to them during big games and bad judgement by the defenders. In this tournament, we will see the experience of Rupinder Pal Singh and Birendra Lakra combined with youngsters such as Amit Rohidas and Dipsan Tirkey.

The return of drag flicker Rupinder Pal along with the added presence of Harmanpreet Singh should ensure that India's penalty corner options are well covered. Their combined threat will play on the minds of opposition players who may play carefully as to not concede too many penalty corners. Both Lakra and Rupinder Pal are making their comeback in this tournament. Hence, it will be interesting to see how they groom the youngsters.