Hockey World Cup 2018: India vs South Africa- 3 reasons why India won the match

#3 Total hockey on display

Chinnglensana earned his 200th cap against the South Africans

Mark Hopkins' boys failed to score - but it wasn't as if the South Africans failed to advance. On several occasions, Tim Drummond and co. managed to break forward following turnovers just after the Indian strikers had attempted to get a shot in.

Yet, the men up front scampered to the other end of the pitch every time the South Africans managed to cross the half-line as a result of which the Indian defence was never under great pressure.

Harmanpreet Singh was seen in an attacking role as he ventured deep into the South African territory and displayed his feeding skills up front. Chinglensana Singh, playing his 200th international was seeing advancing and falling back based on the demand of the situation.

The team selection revolved around selecting players who could perform in any position and if the opening match is anything to go by, the concept of total hockey is paying rich dividends.

Head to Sportskeeda to check out the Hockey World Cup schedule for the upcoming matches.