Hockey India League: Five-foreigners rule has put coaches through constant brainstorming

Hyderabad Toofans goalkeeper in action during a HIL 2025 match in Rourkela. Toofans switched between its keepers Vikas Dahiya and New Zealander Dominic Dixon while beating Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in an end-to-end contest at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
| Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout

The stipulation on fielding a maximum of five foreigners in the playing XI of a team during a Hockey India League (HIL) match has put different coaches through constant brainstorming.

As situations can change rapidly in a fast-paced match, the support staff are required to think like computers and offer best possible strategies. The five-foreigners rule has made their job even more challenging.

“Changing the goalkeeper gives us a little more possibility to change the field players. It’s super fair, but it’s pretty complex. You always have to think, ‘Is this the right person?’ Because you cannot simply just substitute one-on-one. We have got some plans and strategies. It’s difficult, but my assistant coach Emily does an amazing job,” said Hyderabad Toofans coach Pasha Gademan.

Toofans switched between its keepers Vikas Dahiya and New Zealander Dominic Dixon while beating Vedanta Kalinga Lancers in an end-to-end contest at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Sunday (January 12, 2025).

Lancers might have lost a few matches, but they enjoyed the advantage of having two world class keepers, Indian Krishan Pathak and Briton Toby Reynolds-Cotterill.

“We planned during the auction and were determined to get Pathak, who is the number one goalkeeper in India at present, so that five foreigners can play in the middle and the forward-line. It is reaping us some benefits,” said former India goalkeeper and Lancers’ manager A.B. Subbaiah.

“We also face problems if Pathak does not play well.”

Indian women’s team’s head coach Harendra Singh, who has been commentating during the HIL, says rotating goalkeepers depends on match situations.

“It’s tactical. Top goalkeepers from different countries are here. If a team has an upper-hand, coaches prefer to field an overseas custodian. If a team is trying to catch up, then they go for an Indian goalkeeper and five foreign field players – depending on where they are needed,” said Harendra.

“Since the Indians and foreigners have started gelling well, combinations are not a problem any more. Good for the Indian keepers, who get valuable experience.”

Legendary Belgian custodian Vincent Vanasch, who has been the go-to man for JSW Soorma Hockey Club, agrees. “It’s great for the Indian goalkeepers as they get the experience. We’ll see how we are going to manage it for the rest of our matches. I like it because it makes others better goalies. But it’s the choice of the coaches,” said Vanasch.

Published – January 13, 2025 02:40 pm IST

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