Senior players Sardar Singh and Manpreet Singh say having an Indian as the national team's head coach has broken all communication barriers and tactically too Harendra Singh is no less than any of his foreign counterparts.
Harendra, who was appointed in May, coached India to a second straight runners-up finish at the Champions Trophy last month.
"I still remember Harendra paaji had called me to a national camp 15-16 years ago. We go back a long way. I played under him even when he was assisting Jose Brasa in 2009," Sardar told PTI.
"It is a different feeling working with an Indian coach. We can discuss anything with him under the sun. He also openly advises us and knows that as senior players we can't change our game completely," he added.
There is still time to explain things during training but absorbing coach's advice during the two-minute break between quarters can be tough. That is where Harendra has made a massive difference.
"If you see he has given results whether it is with the women's team or the men's junior side which won the World Cup. He has worked with the best of coaches. One big positive (after his arrival) is that we all communicate in Hindi now.
"With foreigners, even if you miss a single point during those two-minute breaks it can create confusion in the minds of the players. The coach is observing the game from the outside and he can tell you right away (what needs to be done) in your own language. There is not much time anyway to absorb anyway, so a language that all understand helps immensely," said the 32-year-old midfielder.
Sardar's long-time India teammate Manpreet concurred with his view on Harendra.
"Whenever a new coach comes, he has to make sure that we don't change our styles of play. Our strength has always been attack and counter-attack. Harendra paaji knows how to make best use of speedy forwards like S V Sunil and Akashdeep," said Manpreet.
"He is a very positive person. In short time, he says the right things. He has improved a lot tactically, having worked with the best coaches in the business, though he says 'he is still learning'."
So, has the time come when India can end their obsession with foreign coaches?
"The Asian Games will not be as tough as the Champions Trophy but you can't take any team lightly. In modern hockey, it is very important to read the game of your opponents."
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content