Ind vs NZ hockey - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. History: India and New Zealand have a long history of playing hockey against each other. Both countries have strong hockey traditions and have faced each other in various international tournaments over the years.
- 2. Head-to-Head: India has a dominant record against New Zealand in hockey, with a history of winning more matches against them. However, in recent years, New Zealand has shown improvement and has given India tough competition in matches.
- 3. Recent Matches: In recent years, India and New Zealand have faced each other in various international tournaments, including the FIH Hockey World Cup, FIH Hockey Pro League, and Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. The matches have been closely contested, with both teams showcasing their skills on the field.
- 4. Players to Watch: Some key players to watch out for in the India vs New Zealand hockey matches include Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh for India, and Hugo Inglis, Kane Russell, and Stephen Jenness for New Zealand.
- 5. Playing Styles: India is known for its attacking style of play, with fast and skillful players who can create goal-scoring opportunities. New Zealand, on the other hand, is known for its physical and disciplined style of play, with a strong defensive unit.
- 6. Coaches: The Indian hockey team is currently coached by Graham Reid, an Australian former hockey player. The New Zealand hockey team is coached by Darren Smith, a former New Zealand international player.
- 7. Rankings: As of 2021, India is ranked 4th in the FIH World Rankings, while New Zealand is ranked 8th. Both teams have been working hard to improve their rankings and aim to perform well in upcoming tournaments.
- 8. Rivalry: The rivalry between India and New Zealand in hockey is intense, with both teams aiming to outperform each other on the field. The matches between the two teams are always highly anticipated and draw a lot of attention from fans and experts.
- 9. International Tournaments: India and New Zealand often compete against each other in various international tournaments, including the Olympics, World Cup, Commonwealth Games, and FIH Hockey Pro League. These matches are crucial for both teams in their quest for glory on the international stage.
- 10. Future Prospects: Both India and New Zealand have talented young players coming through the ranks, who have the potential to make a mark on the international hockey scene. The future looks bright for both teams, and fans can expect more exciting matches between India and New Zealand in the years to come.