Hockey World Cup 2018: 5 standout players for India in the pool stages

Varun's drag-flick led to the penalty stroke against Belgium

#2 Akashdeep Singh

Akashdeep Singh was not at his brilliant best at Gold Coast and missed out the Champions Trophy on account of a hamstring injury, but delighted the galleries at Jakarta with his eye-catching tomahawks in the pool matches of the Asian Games.

At the Asian Champions Trophy, at Muscat, the Indian think-tank decided to utilize Akashdeep's skills as a link-man, and the 23-year-old has displayed maturity well beyond his years to adapt to the new role just as effortlessly as he fires in the stunning reverse hits.

With three strikers lurking in the circle and waiting to latch on to Akashdeep's probing passes, the Indians have sought to convert every circle entry into either a goalbound shot or a PC - and the very fact that Harendra's boys have managed to score 12 goals in three matches is confirmation of the fact that the move has delivered results.

Edited by Alan John