Legendary Australian forward Jamie Dwyer feels that Indian Hockey team has naturally talented players who just need good game plan to be among the top teams of the world.
"The Indian team has very naturally talented players and among them Rupinder Pal Singh has impressed me the most. They also have a very good coach so I'm curious to see how they will go this year," Dwyer told PTI Bhasha.
"I think Indian team must have a very good game plan for various opponents against whom they will play. They need to prepare better than they have ever prepared before, physically and mentally," he said when asked about his suggestions for Sardar Singh and co.
He also feels that hockey is gaining its ground in India and it is good to see huge crowd in stadiums in smaller centres.
"Taking hockey into rural areas in India is great. I think the champions trophy this year in Bhubaneswar will attract huge crowds," said the experienced forward, who won the FIH player of the year award five times.
Earlier, several top coaches including Australian coach Ric Charlesworth have criticized the lack of spactators during FIH tournaments in Delhi.
"Hockey is gaining its ground in India. The numbers are showing that it is. Roughly 22 million people watch each game of the HHIL this year compared to 8 million last year. Huge increase it is," said the captain of table-topper JP Punjab Warriors.
{{/usCountry}}"Hockey is gaining its ground in India. The numbers are showing that it is. Roughly 22 million people watch each game of the HHIL this year compared to 8 million last year. Huge increase it is," said the captain of table-topper JP Punjab Warriors.
{{/usCountry}}Post HHIL, the legendary Australian striker will be busy with his national team as it is an important year for Hockey where Australia will try to defend WC and CWG titles.