IND vs NZ hockey - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Head-to-Head Record: India and New Zealand have faced each other numerous times in international hockey competitions. India has a dominating record against New Zealand, winning a majority of the matches between the two teams.
- 2. Recent Performances: In recent years, India has been performing exceptionally well in international hockey tournaments, consistently finishing among the top teams. New Zealand, on the other hand, has also shown improvement in their performances, making them a formidable opponent.
- 3. FIH World Rankings: As of the latest FIH World Rankings, India is ranked higher than New Zealand. India is currently ranked in the top 5, while New Zealand is ranked in the top 10.
- 4. Key Players: Both India and New Zealand have a talented pool of players who have the potential to make a significant impact in the game. Players like Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Mandeep Singh are key players for India, while players like Hugo Inglis, Blair Tarrant, and Kane Russell are key players for New Zealand.
- 5. Playing Styles: India is known for its fast-paced and attacking style of play, relying on skillful dribbling and quick passes to create scoring opportunities. New Zealand, on the other hand, is known for its physical and structured style of play, focusing on strong defensive tactics and counterattacks.
- 6. Coach and Team Management: India is currently coached by Graham Reid, a former Australian hockey player, while New Zealand is coached by Darren Smith, a former New Zealand hockey player. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their respective teams.
- 7. Tournament History: India and New Zealand have competed against each other in various international hockey tournaments, including the FIH Hockey World Cup, FIH Hockey Pro League, and Olympic Games. Both teams have had memorable encounters in these competitions.
- 8. Rivalry: The rivalry between India and New Zealand in hockey dates back several years, with both teams vying for supremacy on the international stage. Matches between the two teams are always highly competitive and intense, making for exciting viewing for fans.
- 9. Recent Encounters: In their most recent encounters, India has had the upper hand against New Zealand, winning several matches in international competitions. However, New Zealand has also managed to pull off some surprise victories against India, showcasing their potential as a strong hockey team.
- 10. Future Prospects: Both India and New Zealand have promising futures in international hockey, with talented players and dedicated coaching staff driving their success. The upcoming matches between the two teams are sure to be thrilling and fiercely contested, as they continue to push each other to new heights in the sport.