5 things India must do to win the Champions Trophy for the first time

2. Tighten the defence

Some of the goals conceded at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup were inexcusable

Defence – the facet of the Indian side that has given rise to maximum woes on the field.

An otherwise balanced unit, India have been failing miserably to keep a clean sheet for a while now. If not for a prolific strike force, most victories would have gone the other way due to the dreadful defending in the face of counter-attacks and penalty corners alike.

PR Sreejesh’s return to the side as the acting skipper replacing Sardar Singh who has been rested for the tournament is a cheerful sign for the Indians. Ace defender Rupinder Pal Singh will be sitting out as well, with veteran Vokkaliga Raghunath back amongst the Indian ranks.

Alongside the back line, midfielders Chinglensana and Kothajit will have a huge responsibility on their shoulders not to let the opponents find much space in the centre in Sardar’s absence.