India held by Korea in Super 4s as old flaws return, new concerns surface

Super 4s reality check: India held by Korea as old problems resurface, new concerns appear.

India’s promising start to the Asia Cup 2025 hit turbulence in the Super 4s stage after a 2-2 draw with Korea in Rajgir on Wednesday. The result, while not disastrous against the defending champions, exposed familiar shortcomings and introduced new concerns at a crucial point in the tournament.

The hosts struck first through vice-captain Hardik Singh’s brilliant solo effort, but defensive lapses allowed Korea to hit back with two quick goals — one from a penalty stroke and another from a penalty corner. India chased the game for much of the contest until Mandeep Singh salvaged a point with a 53rd-minute equaliser.

On a rain-soaked evening that delayed play, India had chances to win comfortably. Instead, wasteful finishing, poor penalty corner management, and disjointed attacking play turned a winnable match into a frustrating stalemate.

Missed opportunities haunt India

India created 35 circle penetrations — 22 in the second half alone — yet scored only twice. Forwards repeatedly found space but failed to finish, leaving captain Harmanpreet Singh to stress the importance of sharper conversion.

Mandeep admitted the missed chances proved costly: “We missed nine or ten open chances. This is hockey, but it’s a learning point. Next match, we’ll need to make sure shots or PCs come when goals don’t.”

Drag-flicking threat underused

Despite boasting the tournament’s most lethal drag-flick unit — Harmanpreet (6 goals), Jugraj Singh (4), Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay — India barely utilised their penalty corner weapon. Three PCs came in the opening seven minutes, but the next arrived only at the end of the third quarter.

By prioritising field goals, India neglected their biggest strength. Mandeep later admitted smarter play could have yielded more PCs: “If shots aren’t going in, we should create PCs. That’s something we need to do better.”

Forwards still out of sync

India’s forward line — Mandeep, Abhishek, Sukhjeet, Dilpreet, and Shilanand — continues to lack cohesion. Against Korea, their runs and final passes fell just short. While coach Craig Fulton dismissed concerns, saying India were only “one or two passes shy,” sharper chemistry is needed with tougher games ahead.

Next up: Malaysia test

India now face Malaysia, who beat China using a disciplined low-block system, even sacrificing top scorer Akhimullah Anuar to strengthen their defensive shape. It’s a tactic similar to Korea’s, meaning India will need quicker passing, improved trapping, and better decision-making in the circle to break through.

Anything less than a win could leave India in danger of falling short in a campaign that began with promise but risks being undone by recurring flaws.