Our new game-plan gives us extra boost: Sardar Singh

With the FIH Hockey World League Semifinals scheduled in Belgium just a few weeks away, India's new game-plan of boosting the midfield has got captain Sardar Singh excited.

"The team is shaping up well. Our new game-plan of 10 attacking and 10 defending (players) gives the extra boost to the mid-field position, and this will also help in negating the counter-attacks from the opponents," said Sardar.

Sardar added that the team, under Dutch coach Paul Vaan Ass, is also working on its speed.

"We are working on our speed also as we realize that this new strategy will work in our favour only if we keep pace with each other and not miss the vital passes," he added.

Placed alongside Australia, Pakistan, France and Poland in Pool A, the skipper said his side would be eyeing a top-two finish in the group phase.

"The boys are specially waiting to meet Australia and Pakistan. While playing against Australia, we deliver our best hockey and playing against Pakistan is always something which we look forward to and a win against them will be very special," Sardar said.

The tournament is scheduled to be played from June 20 to July 5. India begin their campaign against France on the opening day.