India on the Back Foot as Australia Hits the Bullseye in Pro League

The Indian men's hockey team lost 3-2 to Australia in the FIH Pro League 2024-25 on Saturday, stretching their losing run to five consecutive games. India began on a good note and were two goals ahead but lost steam in the last quarter as the Kookaburras scripted a drama of revenge.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠India were ahead early, as Abhishek scored twice (8', 35') to make the team 2-0 up in the middle of the third quarter.

 

•⁠  ⁠Australia replied with determination, as Nathan Ephraums scored one in the 42nd minute, while Joel Rintala's penalty corner in the 56th minute leveled the score. Tom Craig completed the victory for Australia with a clinical penalty corner conversion only 43 seconds from time to cause another late heartbreak for India.

 

•⁠  ⁠Goalie Suraj Karkera made some crucial saves, but India's attack wilted after their second goal, and failure to capitalize in the fourth quarter cost them dearly.

 

Prospects:

 

India's failure to maintain leads and finish off games is still a worry as they prepare for another against Australia on Sunday. After jeopardizing their Pro League campaign, the side needs to get its act together in a jiffy to halt the skid and get moving again. 

 

Source: Olympics.com, ESPN, Times of India, Indian Express