India’s men’s hockey team faces a critical test in the FIH Pro League 2025 as they gear up to take on Australia on Sunday, June 15.
The pressure is mounting on the Indian side to break their four-match losing streak with just 15 points from 12 games and sitting at fifth place.
Recent defeats to world-class teams like the Netherlands and Argentina have exposed defensive lapses and penalty corner inefficiencies. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh has stressed the urgency of gaining both momentum and crucial points as India aim for a top-three finish in the European leg.
This clash against the Aussies could prove pivotal in determining their fate in the standings.
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Head-to-head record: India vs. Australia
The head-to-head record between India and Australia in men’s hockey clearly highlights the dominance of the Aussies over the years. Out of 19 previous encounters, Australia have emerged victorious 13 times. India have managed just 3 wins, while 3 matches ended in draws.
- Matches Played: 19
- India Wins: 3
- Australia Wins: 13
- Matches Drawn: 3
Top players to watch
- INDIA:
Harmanpreet Singh (Captain, Defender/Drag-flicker)
Harmanpreet is not only India's captain but also their leading drag-flick specialist and one of the world's top scorers. Returning to full fitness after injury, his performance in penalty corners and leadership at the back are crucial for India’s success.
Shilanand Lakra (Forward)
Among the younger talents, Shilanand Lakra stands out for his sharp positioning and finishing skills inside the D. He’s been gaining confidence with each appearance and is seen as a player who can make a difference.
- AUSTRALIA:
Blake Govers (Forward/Drag-flicker)
Blake Govers is one of the Kookaburras’ most prolific goalscorers and a key figure in their penalty corner routines. Govers’ drag-flicking ability and knack for scoring in crucial moments make him a player India will need to watch closely.
Tim Brand (Forward)
Tim Brand is another standout in the Australian squad, known for his agility, sharp finishing, and ability to create opportunities in the circle. His movement off the ball and attacking instincts make him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
FIH India vs. Australia hockey series betting odds, tips & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, the odds favor Australia, suggesting they're the clear favorites going into this match. Australian dominance in recent H2H history and consistency in performance likely contribute to their lower payout odds, indicating a higher implied probability of victory.
Team | Odds |
India | 2.17 |
Australia | 1.61 |
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FIH Pro League 2025: India vs. Australia full squad
India Squad:
GOALKEEPERS: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Suraj Karkera.
DEFENDERS: Sumit, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Harmanpreet Singh (C), Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Yashdeep Siwach.
MIDFIELDERS: Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma, Hardik Singh (VC), Rajinder Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, Shamsher Singh.
FORWARDS: Gurjant Singh, Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Mandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh.
Australia Squad:
GOALKEEPERS: Anand Gupte, Ashleigh Thomas, Cooper Burns
DEFENDERS: Davis Atkin, Jayden Atkinson, Hayden Beltz, Joshua Beltz, James Collins, Jake Harvie, Tom Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Tim Howard, Corey Weyer.
MIDFIELDERS: Cambell Geddes, Liam Henderson, Craig Marais, Mitch Nicholson, Jed Snowden, Benjamin White.
FORWARDS: Tim Brand, Nathan Czinner, Nathan Ephraums, Lachlan Sharp, Connar Otterbach, Jack Welch, Ky Willott, Blake Govers.
Where to Watch: FIH India vs. Australia hockey series
All the FIH Pro League 2024-25 (Men) matches will be streamed live on Jio Hotstar and broadcast on Star Sports Select.