India celebrated winning the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics in August 2024, but a significant void was created in the Indian men’s hockey team when star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh retired from international hockey. The Indian team had so much confidence in him that they didn’t even include another goalkeeper in the squad for the Paris Olympics.
The Asian Champions Trophy was India’s first challenge without PR Sreejesh. India fielded two goalkeepers, Suraj Karkera and Bahadur Krishan Pathak, who led the team in the goalkeeping department at the tournament in China.
Goalkeeping in Asian Champions Trophy 2023
When PR Sreejesh was in the team, India conceded 8 goals in 7 matches, including 5 field goals and 3 penalty corners at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023.
In the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, India conceded only 5 goals in 6 matches. The goalkeepers performed exceptionally well, conceding 4 penalty corners and just one field goal. This is an outstanding performance. Bahadur Krishan Pathak played as the goalkeeper for India in the finals. He performed brilliantly, not conceding a single goal and making multiple saves.
No Sreejesh, no problem
This shows that India’s goalkeeping department is in safe hands. However, this doesn’t lessen the impact PR Sreejesh had on the team. He saved crucial goals in key moments and during major tournaments. While the new goalkeepers have performed brilliantly, only time will tell if they can handle the pressure during critical situations, such as knockout rounds at the Olympics.
India’s goalkeeping stats in Asian Champions Trophy 2023 and 2024
| Year | Match | Goals conceded | Penalty goals | Field Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| 2023 | 7 | 8 | 3 | 5 |
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