Indian drag-flicker VR Raghunath said, “Overall experience of three-match test series, recently played with Australia is going to help Indian hockey squad perform better in Hockey World league”.
Speaking to The Pioneer on the sidelines of a practice session at International Hockey Stadium, Raipur on Wednesday, Raghunath said that back-to-back three matches with the world’s best team just before commencement of Hockey World league helped the team a lot in evaluating its present calibre, status and shortcomings.
Moreover, it also helped the team to carryout necessary improvements, he said. Raghunath has been India’s best man in the series with three goals.
On being asked about face-off with Argentina in first match of the league starting from November 27, the drag-flicker said “We are confident of giving best performance, but not taking any team lightly. Although, ranking of Argentina is better that that of India but our boys are mentally and physically fit to face any team”.
The strategy for coming matches will be to have a good start and defense will be emphasised, added Raghunath.
Speaking about the defeat against Australia in test series, Raghunath said that victory and defeat are part of the competition and the team is taking it in a sporting manner.
“The defeat in test series is not going to impact the morale of Indian squad. It’s a learning process and its upon us to take lesson from every match”, he added.