Hockey match between India and Pakistan versus Rajinikanth in Chennai
An whole generation of Pakistani players has no idea what it’s like to defeat India, yet the last time the two met in a crucial game, Pakistan won an ugly battle in the 2014 Champions Trophy.
Offices have proclaimed vacations. Tickets were purchased in bulk and given away for free to a select few. Lesser mortals line up outside the suffocating box offices.
There’s an undeniable buzz in the thick, humid Chennai air. But it has nothing to do with India or Pakistan.
On Wednesday, the age-old rivals will pen a new chapter in their hockey history at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. But, for once, an India-Pakistan match isn’t the most anticipated event.
The highly anticipated film, Jailer, starring Rajini, is the buzz in town and is set to release on Thursday. Adding to the excitement, an AR Rahman concert over the weekend is sure to contribute to the frenzy.
Against this bustling backdrop, the group stage finale of the Asian Champions Trophy will take place on the newly installed turf, illuminated by vibrant new lights at this charming stadium.
In preparation for the state’s prominent political figures attending the highly anticipated match between the two neighboring teams, workers are applying a fresh coat of paint to the VIP stand seats. Additionally, extra security personnel have been deployed around the stadium.
The hype surrounding the big match aside, it was quite clear that the rivalry was heavily one-sided. The pre-match statements from both camps highlighted this fact. India captain Harmanpreet Singh took a patronizing stance, expressing hope for a promising future for what he referred to as a ‘young Pakistan team’. On the other hand, Pakistan coach Muhammad Saqlain took a more philosophical approach, urging people to focus less on the results and instead appreciate the beauty of the game itself.
While the overall head-to-head statistics may lean in favor of Pakistan, recent years have seen a clear shift in momentum towards India in this seesaw rivalry.
India has maintained an impressive record against Pakistan since 2014, with the exception of the insignificant South Asian Games in 2016. Although there have been a few exciting draws and spirited performances from the Pakistani team, India has consistently avoided defeat.
It’s an interesting phenomenon that an entire generation of Pakistani players has never experienced the feeling of defeating India or, from India’s perspective, truly knowing what it was like to engage in a competitive match with equals.
Harmanpreet, for instance, has only heard legends of the intense India-Pakistan matches but has hardly been a significant part of them. “There’s a noticeable difference between us now,” Harmanpreet stated. “In the past, both teams were strong and therefore the matches were extraordinary. That doesn’t mean there are easy games now. However, in terms of results and overall structure, we have made improvements.”
We have seen glimpses of these strategies throughout the tournament. India has employed a unique pressing style, prioritizing solid defense and showing promise in their attacking play. On the other hand, Pakistan has aimed to exceed expectations but has struggled to find their footing in the final third of the pitch.
Fourteen players on the team will be facing India for the first time, and Saqlain had only one piece of advice for them: “I began my career against India, and if you perform well in these matches, your future is secure. It’s a crucial match that can shape their careers.”
On Tuesday, Saqlain had the team watch videos of their own performances in the Asian Champions Trophy. They analyzed 65 clips that showed them entering the attacking circles and missing scoring opportunities throughout the four games they’ve played.
Saqlain will be banking on both his scoring ability and the unpredictable element that often defines an India-Pakistan match: emotions.
“The Indian team is playing on their home turf, and there is a historical pattern of them feeling the pressure in these types of matches,” he observed.
The last time India and Pakistan played a significant match in India, emotions were running high. It was during the 2014 Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar when Pakistan emerged victorious in a contentious encounter. The match witnessed a heated exchange between Pakistani players and the spectators, resulting in strained hockey relations between the two nations.
While both countries have moved forward, the fundamental idea remains pertinent: India may have a significant advantage over Pakistan, but in order to secure victory, they must stay calm and composed. The Indian team has a tendency to abandon their game plan when they become overly emotionally invested.
India coach Craig Fulton has cautioned his players to focus on maintaining a strong structure, effectively managing Pakistan’s counter-attacks, and asserting dominance in set-pieces, including both penalty corner defense and attacks.
Why is India-Pakistan enmity fading?
India and Pakistan have faced off on the cricket field 178 times. Out of those matches, Pakistan has emerged victorious in 82 instances, while India has claimed victory in 64 battles. The remaining 32 matches resulted in draws. In terms of recent performance, India has been on an upward trend over the past decade, winning more than half of the matches played against Pakistan.
In recent times, India has experienced a consistent upward trajectory while Pakistan has seen a significant decline. The factors contributing to this downturn are similar to what India had faced in the past: financial constraints, resistance to adapting new approaches and consequently falling behind global standards, and a diminishing interest in the sport.
India managed to reverse its declining performance in the sport by making significant investments, enabling them to qualify for the last two Olympics and a World Cup. Conversely, Pakistan has been unable to make similar advancements, resulting in their absence from these prestigious events.
Despite some investment in the future, things still appear unpromising. This is evident from the fact that more than half of their players here are under 21 years old.
