Craig Fulton Reflects on Pressure and Team Dynamics Ahead of World Cup

Craig Fulton, coach of India’s national hockey team, spoke with reporters on August 13, 2026, on the balcony of his office at the Sports Authority of India campus in Bengaluru. This conversation came hours after the team’s practice match as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Despite the pressure surrounding his squad, especially after two disappointing FIH Pro League seasons, Fulton expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent practice performance.

India’s standings in the last two FIH Pro League seasons saw them finish second last, and their recent results have led to scrutiny of Fulton’s coaching methods, including criticism from former player PR Sreejesh. With discussions swirling about potential jersey changes on the eve of their World Cup departure, Fulton acknowledges the weight of expectations but insists, “We have a job to do.”

World Cup Aspirations and Ranking Challenges

The immediate mission for the Indian team includes the World Cup, followed by the Asian Games, where they are favorites for gold. Success at the Asian Games could secure their path to the Los Angeles Olympics 2028. Conversely, the World Cup presents a more formidable challenge, as India is currently ranked eighth globally and will need to compete against strong teams like the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, Argentina, and Australia.

“To be consistent against the top six teams in Europe is very difficult,” Fulton stated. “The ideal goal is to win every tournament. Then there’s the realistic goal based on where you’re ranked.” He highlighted India’s performance improvements in their recent Pro League matches against strong European competitors, including victories over the Netherlands and Germany, as well as draws against England. This follows a challenging streak prior, where they had failed to win a single game in eight matches.

Defensive Weaknesses and Preparation Efforts

Fulton noted the defensive challenges his team has faced, attributing part of this to their philosophy of maintaining a strong back line. Over the last two years, lapses in concentration led to penalties and goals against them. Of the 39 goals conceded in the last Pro League season, 21 came from penalties. While defensive improvements were seen in subsequent matches, they remained vulnerable, conceding numerous penalty corners.

With the goalkeeping department affected by the retirement of PR Sreejesh, the onus now falls on less experienced goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Mohith HS. Both players face the challenge of stepping up for their first World Cup, highlighting the importance of consistency and performance in high-pressure situations.

Key Players and Injury Concerns

Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s struggles with injuries since the Paris Olympics have mirrored the team’s challenges. Missing games in the 2024-25 European Pro League due to a finger injury coincided with a losing streak. Although he is regarded as a vital player, his recent form has waned. Despite a history of success, including contributing to India’s bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, Harmanpreet has recently scored just one goal in the ongoing season.

Despite these setbacks, Fulton remains optimistic. He emphasized the lessons learned from past performances and how they plan to address set-piece issues during their final preparations. “We have to focus on shootouts and be really, really ready for those,” he added.

India’s recent track record at World Cups has been unsatisfactory, with no semifinal appearances since their last victory in 1975. As the team looks to overcome the pressures of high expectations after two Olympic bronze medals, Fulton is willing to adopt the underdog role. “We come in with probably a five-to-six percent chance of winning this tournament,” he concluded. “It’s a World Cup. You don’t play light. You have to go for it. The bigger the dream, the bigger the team.”

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn