New tactics will boost mid-field position: Skipper Sardar

As the Indian hockey team gears up for the upcoming FIH Hockey World League (HWL) Semi-Finals, skipper Sardar Singh on Tuesday said the team is shaping up well in the last few practice sessions, adding that the new game plan will give extra boost to the mid-field position.

Placed in pool A of the tournament alongside Australia, Pakistan, France and Poland, the skipper said 2014 Asian Games champions India will be aiming for a top two finish in the pool phase.

Sardar said that coach Paul Van Ass' has asked them to tune-up in a new formation, in which they will defend with 10 players as well as attack with the same number of players.

"The team is shaping out well in the last few practice sessions. Our new game plan of 10 attacking and 10 defending gives extra boost to the mid-field position, as this will help in countering the counter attacks from the opponents," centre-half Sardar said in a release.

"We are even working on our speed as we realise that this new strategy will work in our favour only if we keep pace with each other and not miss the vital passes."

The 28-year-old said the team is specially looking forward to face world champions Australia and arch-rivals Pakistan in the upcoming tournament, adding that a win against their neighbours would be very special.

"The boys are specially waiting to meet Australia and Pakistan. While playing against Australia we deliver our best hockey and playing against Pakistan is always something which we look forward to and a win against them will be very special," he said.

The mega event is scheduled to be played from June 20 to July 5. India will clash with France in their opening match on June 20.