5 significant takeaways from India's hockey test series win against New Zealand

The Indian defence resisted inventive passages of play from the KiwisAfter performing admirably and defeating New Zealand in their home turf, the Indian hockey team now looks ahead to a crucial season comprising of a test series against Australia from November 19-23 and the FIH Hockey World League Finals.With a victory each in Nelson and Christchurch, the “Men in Blue” clinched the 4-match Test series by a margin of 2-1. A resilient New Zealand team tested the resolve of the tourists by attempting different combinations.However, the Sardar Singh-led Indians managed to edge the hosts by sustaining the intensity and matching the pace of the opposition team. There were several key individual performances from the vastly experienced and well-settled Indian players.We take a look at the most heartening and positive outcomes from a successful tour for the Indian hockey team.

#5 Roelant Oltmans

Roelant Oltmans’ extensive experience and calm demeanour worked wonders for India

Finally after all the turmoil regarding the coaching staff had died down, Roelant Oltmans took over as the Head Coach for the Indian hockey team. The players have begun to benefit from having a man of his stature at the helm of affairs.

Earlier the High Performance Director, Oltmans shaped up a formidable team by marshaling his troops and restoring their confidence by combining the traditional Indian flair with European precision.

#4 Cohesive defensive line

Rupinder Pal Singh’s mature handling of the ball denied the Kiwi strikers

Shaky defense is a term which is synonymous with Indian hockey. However, the tag could not have been attributed to the Indian defenders as they kept their heads during the final moments and emerged unscathed.

The defense team comprising of Rupinder Pal Singh, Kothajit Singh and VR Raghunath maintained their composure towards the dying moments of the engrossing contests as they protected India’s lead in several vital moments.

#3 PR Sreejesh

PR Sreejesh continued to solidify his growing reputation as one of the best contemporary goal-keepers

Another massive reason behind India’s victory was the unflappable PR Sreejesh. Gradually establishing himself as the heart of the Indian team, Sreejesh was unrelenting as he blocked numerous shots on goal to keep the Kiwis at bay.

Sreejesh prevented consecutive penalty corners in the 2nd match to ensure that his team had a chance to bring themselves back into the series.

#2 Stupendous strikers

Ramandeep and Akashdeep kept pushing the New Zealand defenders with their supreme finishing skills

Gradually shaping up to be amongst the most dangerous striker-duos in the world, Akashdeep and Ramandeep Singh lit up the tournament by frequently threatening the New Zealand defenders with their impeccable awareness.

While, Ramandeep scored in both the matches which India went on to win, Akashdeep provided him ample support and maintained the pressure with his penetrative surges.

#1 SV Sunil\'s consistency

The Black Sticks could not thwart SV Sunils inspired bursts along the flanks

SV Sunil who proved to be the decisive game-changer,impressed everyone with his enduring intensity and meteoric tempo. Feeding efficient passes with his incredible foot-work and keeping the New Zealand defenders on their toes seemed all too easy for the versatile Sunil.

Responsible for creating endless scoring opportunities for the forwards, the 26-year old from Karnataka also slotted in the equaliser and sealed the series in the final encounter in Christchurch.