NEW DELHI, 3 October 2003 — The exploits of Dhanraj Pillay’s team in recent months has enabled hockey to regain its hold on the national soul.

With the Asia Cup triumph at Kuala Lumpur on Sunday it left its stamp of authority in a manner that will bring back to the fold followers who were dropping out for want of famous victories to cherish.

Skeptics, who were not quite hopeful of the team’s chances in the absence of drag flick specialist Jugraj Singh, were silenced.

There are, after all, other ways of scoring goals. The health of any sport does not depend only on a star player or two. The KL campaign showed Indian hockey’s developing strength in depth.

In modern hockey not just 11 players form a team. Those on the bench are as important as the 11 on the pitch.

Note that the substitutes astutely sent in and pulled out by coach Rajinder Singh were each as good as the “regulars.” Each played his role, perfectly fitting into the scheme of things.

It was all so beautifully done.

Sandeep Michael, still in his teens, but with a prematurely receding hairline, proved an ace, hidden somewhere in the bench. Deservingly, he was awarded the best young player trophy.

Then there was Tirkey, Ignace, to distinguish him from the hitherto better established Dilip.

Not only did Ignace give India’s midfield play a solid look, he also showed he was an attacker as dangerous and crafty as any. That rocket that he fired from the top of the circle less than two minutes from time was simply out of this world. He is now one of the instant heroes of Indian hockey.

Admittedly, India has a good team.

But it is still not a great team.

To be a great team you have to be consistent. Dhanraj’s team is still a long way from being called great.

Shortly before the team took the plane to Kuala Lumpur, Rajinder Singh had spoken his mind.

Among the things he had to say was the players had to be more focused, by which he obviously meant that they could not afford to allow such diversions as frequent media interviews, endorsements and social engagements to disturb their focus.

He is also reportedly advised players had to get the basics right.

Harsh words, but he had a point.

Hopefully it had the desired effect.

Eleven good players on the pitch, all focused on the job in hand, are better than a few stars each with personal ambitions and agendas to pursue, however glamorous they may be.

The team’s collective interests are more important always.