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The Indian men's hockey team ended a 52-year drought by defeating Australia 3-2 at the Paris 2024 Olympics today. This is the Indian team's first win over Australia at the Olympic Games since 1972, and their first win over the Kookaburras this year, after seven straight losses.
The win was achieved thanks to an amazing display of defensive prowess and the exploits of their veteran goalkeeper, PR Sreejesh.
The win comes as the biggest vindication of coach Craig Fulton's tactics as he has made a solid defense the basis of India's performances in recent times.
Australia were not at their best today and there were plenty of mis-passes and missed opportunities. But they too can be partly credited to India as the team in blue as they put severe pressure on the Australian players.
India's marking of the Kookaburras' attacking players and their blocking of all attacking channels was immaculate.
To further understand India's performance today, here are the player ratings for the Harmanpreet Singh-led side from their match against Australia.
Indian men's hockey team's player ratings from their 3-2 win over Australia at Paris 2024 Olympics
Jarmanpreet Singh - 8/10
Jarmanpreet Singh produced a brilliant performance today and contributed immensely to the team's rock-solid defense. He also played a key role in out letting the ball through the right flank to relieve the defense and was his usual reliable self at the receiving end of aerial passes.
Abhishek - 8.5/10
Abhishek is now, without any doubt, India's best attacker. He not only gave India the lead with an exquisite strike, something he did in the last match also, but played a magnificent role in creating opportunities. If it wasn't for a foul, he would have ended the match with two goals and that would have been apt for his performance today.
Manpreet Singh - 8/10
The veteran midfielder produced a solid showing for his team in the midfield. Manpreet usually goes under the radar due to his efficiency and he once again provided stability in the midfield to India.
Hardik Singh - 7/10
Not having been at his best in the Paris 2024 Olympics till today, Hardik Singh had a very satisfactory outing today. He was solid in his role as a defensive midfielder and made sure that he formed a dynamic link between the defense and the midfield.
Gurjant Singh - 6/10
Gurjant was one player whose performance today wasn't the best. The lead in India's forward line was taken by Abhishek and Mandeep Singh and Gurjant was a little lacking.
Mandeep Singh - 7.5/10
Mandeep had another good match at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He was active for the entire duration of the match and was very active in India's attacking manoevours. He was assertive and kept the Australian defense on their toes.
Harmanpreet Singh - 8.5/10
The captain of the Indian team is leading from the front, both as a defender and a drag-flicker. He again scored two goals for his team and also played his part in forming a brick-wall like defensive barrier for Australia. Lastly, Harmanpreet also aided the attackers by moving the ball up the field.
PR Sreejesh - 9/10
The way he is playing, one wonders why PR Sreejesh is retiring after these Summer Olympics. In today's match, Sreejesh was unflinching in his defiance of Australian attackers. In the first half itself, he made close to 10 crucial saves and continued the good work after the half-time break. A truly stunning effort from the Indian hockey legend.
Sumit - 6/10
While the Indian defense was in roaring form today, Sumit was one player who was a little underwhelming. Still, there weren't any major errors from him.
Shamsher Singh - 6/10
Playing mostly down the right-hand side field, Shamsher wasn't one of the stars for India today. He has been overshadowed in the midfield by the likes of Vivek Sagar Prasad and Raj Kumar Pal.
Amit Rohidas - 8/10
Amit was once again in top form. The Odisha defender was key to India's impenetrable barrier of a defense and his presence at the back remains a great assurance for the team.
Sanjay - 8/10
Another defender who played a vital role in India's victory was Sanjay. He too was crucial in keeping Australian attackers at bay and making sure they had to fight for every inch of territory gained inside India's last 25.
Lalit Kumar Upadhyay - 7/10
Lalit had a decent outing too against Australia. While Abhishek was the star of the show, Lalit also played a key role and created trouble for Australia on multiple occasions.
Raj Kumar Pal - 7/10
It wasn't just India's defense that came to the party today. The midfield was also in great form and Raj Kumar Pal was an important member of it. He played a crucial role in India's attacking moves and also helped out the defense.
Vivek Sagar Prasad - 7.5/10
Vivek has been having a great time in the Paris 2024 Olympics. His performance in all the matches has been very satisfying. He manages to boost India's presence in the midfield and helps out both the forwards and the defenders in key moments.
Sukhjeet Singh - 6/10
Sukhjeet was a little underwhelming today as he missed some crucial opportunities. India may have got away with it in this match, but they would need to capitalize on every chance that comes their way in future matches.
