Sardar's place, poor PC conversion are riddles that India must solve before the Asian Games

"Money was not the color we deserved." This part of PR Sreejesh's tweet sums up Team India's mood at the aftermath of the Champions Trophy in Breda, the Netherlands. Their smiles had superficial curves. The stuff was only for the supporters in the stands, which they thanked with applause. But the discouragement at every step of their walk was palpable. Twice they came close to winning the Gold Trophy Champions and twice they had to settle for money.

Through 40 years and 16 attempts, the eight Olympic gold medalists have failed to win the Champions Trophy, even once. That's the disappointing fact, not so much that they lost to Australia in two finals – in shootouts every time, as the tournament is buried in history books with the conclusion of its last edition.

1-1 after 60 minutes In the final, Indian players were unprepared for penalty kicks. As in 2016, Sreejesh lost the goaltending match against Tyler Lovell, who thwarted three of his four Indian attempts in one-on-one shootouts. Australia won the penalty shoot-out 3-1, its 15th title Trophy Champion arrived and India, once again, took a step further on the podium.

"If you do not" Do not complain about what you want … Do not cry for what you do have lost. That was the other part of Sreejesh's post-match tweet. The captain's anguish was understandable. Because, he was the captain in 2016.

When one behaves like India on Sunday, a defeat in the end is hard to bear. It is there that the melancholy of the team is justified. But in Harendra Singh's first major mission as a coach, India played at a promising level for the Asian Games and the upcoming World Cup.

They started the tournament in Breda beating Pakistan 4-0. 2-1 wins against Argentina's Olympic champion 2-1, narrowly defeated Australia 2-3, eliminates Belgium from the race for the gold medal. gold with a score of 1-1 and, with another 1-1 draw against the Netherlands, qualifies for the final

This race epitomized the resilience of the team after the disappointing Commonwealth Games

But with the Asian Games – from August 18 – in just one month, India 's inability to win gold will be critical. For, as is the case at Asiad, India will miss the direct qualification at the Olympics and will have to stand the rigors of the Hockey Series to get a ticket for Tokyo 2020.

C & D Is perhaps the concern that is reflected in the tweet of Sreejesh. His way to the office of Hockey India who is to select very soon the Asian Games team

The PC Riddle

When India won its only match for the gold medal against Australia in 2003 Sydney Challenge Cup, Jugraj Singh scored a penalty corner (PC) in India's famous 5-3 win. Jugraj was one of the best PC specialists in the world. Despite the fact that Chris Ciriello and his former Australian dragflicker Chris Ciriello were in the coaching team, the conversion of India to PC in Breda was mediocre.

India gained 26 PCs but could only convert three PCs. Of these, 11 have been against Australia in two games – but not one has been converted.

On the other hand, the Indian defense rose against the PCs. Of the 34 that India has conceded, Sreejesh & Co managed to block 30. The defense of India was the culmination of their performance in Breda

However, only 11.5% of PC score should strengthen the examination not only Indian dragflickers but also Jugraj and Ciriello

While Rupinder Pal Singh was coming home, India's options in Breda were limited to using Harmanpreet Singh and to try variants. But both options failed. India was reluctant to use Amit Rohidas and Varun Kumar as drag-flick options. The obvious question that arises is, "Are not they ready for the game?" And Harmanpreet's inconsistency will also be considered.

Jugraj has now been part of the national team for almost two years and must do more than fill the chair of the badistant coach. Ciriello's responsibilities as an badytical coach can go beyond PC woes, but this remains the main reason why his expensive services were sought shortly after his retirement last year.

Jury instead of Sardar

given a chance to swim or dive by the selectors and Harendra. The jury is still on him, especially after his loss to shootout against Australia. His lack of pace, which is a concern for High Performance Director David John, became apparent in the shootout and Australian goalkeeper, Lovell, easily upset him.

There are not many backups for Manpreet Singh in the role of the playman. While Harjeet Singh has almost ruined his career by focusing on his biopic, Vivek Sagar Prasad has come in and impressed, but he still needs a lot of international experience before he can replace Manpreet against big teams and control the midfielder

. in Breda. He no longer has the speed of Manpreet, but his ball-keeping skills are still very good. Possession of the midfielder does not decline with Manpreet and Sardar replacing themselves as rolling substitutes.

India has two of the biggest tournaments to come. An Olympic spot is at stake at the Asian Games and a World Cup podium later at home could herald a new era. These big steps require a player like Sardar, but his performance at difficult times, as in the CT shootout, will have to match her. The rest is at the height of the selectors.