India hockey coach Craig Fulton interview on Paris 2024, his search for 6-7 goalkeepers and more

After the hectic 2024 season, India chief coach Craig Fulton spent a well-earned break in Cape Town with his family. Among other things, he could watch his daughter Milla Fulton, who plays hockey for Ireland U-18s and U-21s, in an indoor tournament. He missed watching her play last year but could make up for it this time. But of course, that didn’t mean a complete break from hockey though as he kept a close eye on the Hockey India League. This week, with the tournament coming to a close in Rourkela, Fulton is in attendance in person. And with the FIH Pro League coming up, he’s been taking notes.The Indian Express caught up with him on the sidelines of the league at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Excerpts:
Have you been watching the Hockey India League? What’s your takeaway so far?
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Craig Fulton: We’re on game 40 now and I think I’ve missed only two matches, I’ve seen the other 38, pretty much seen it all. It’s been good. It’s positive from an Indian perspective to have the internationals that are here, the quality and the coaches. Plus a lot of our younger players getting the exposure. Those who are in the under-21 program and even those who aren’t, and also seniors, both included. It’s a nice balance to see everyone play.
Before discussing Indian talent, what do you think of the league from a neutral perspective?
Craig Fulton: I think there have been some great matches. Initially, you’re unsure, but then the tournament starts to open up. There have been some thrilling games: there was that incredible 5-5 between Lancers and Pipers, then the 6-5 between Dragons and Gonasika. There’s been a lot of attacking hockey and then obviously not too much defense. But at the same time, some great goals.
Does it hurt you a little bit, as someone whose mantra is defend-to-win?Story continues below this ad
Craig Fulton: (Laughs) Well, I am just a fan now. As a fan, you love to see the goals. Those goals conceded are the coaches’ problem, not mine!
You mentioned the different coaches. How does it impact Indian players working with international coaches and their unique methodologies?
Craig Fulton: It really helps Indian hockey. I say that because we play both man-to-man and zonal, high-zone or high man-to-man, based on the situation. Some coaches use full man-to-man, where defense is crucial. Others focus on zone defense. Like the Tigers play half-court zone and high-press zone. Toofans play both. Soorma play half-court man-to-man and then high-press man-to-man. There is a balance between the principles that each coach has. Different approaches enhance the players’ understanding.
How does that fit into your framework as the Indian head coach?Story continues below this ad
Craig Fulton: We employ both styles. If a player specialises in one, he improves in it, but we still need to develop his other skills. If he plays in both systems, he benefits more. It’s all about game intelligence.
What has caught your eye with the younger players, not the senior core?
Craig Fulton: The Indian players have flair, in that younger group, naturally. There are some really good midfielders in this younger lot who are able to hold the ball under pressure, which is important. It’s essential to find ways to keep the ball alive, carrying it out of congested areas and transferring it to space. We’ve seen good individual performances with players scoring goals under immense match pressure, and playing effective counter-attacks.
From an Indian team perspective, post-Paris and looking ahead to bigger tournaments, have you identified specific areas of need?Story continues below this ad
Craig Fulton: Naturally, if a position is vacated, we need to fill it. We’ve been preparing for Sreejesh’s departure focusing on Pathak, Suraj (Karkera), Pawan, and junior keepers, and they are all getting to be part of the HIL. Balancing our goalkeepers is important. We’re looking to have six or seven goalkeepers to fulfill the need across the teams. The other thing is that we have no one retiring in the near future. But at the same time, we are trying to push forward an under-25 team that we’re working to put together.
Are you happy with the game time Indian goalkeepers got, or is it a concern?
Craig Fulton: It’s often out of their control if they’re drafted alongside a strong international goalkeeper. I am fine with it. But it’s still a valuable experience. Training with other goalkeepers, doing PC-attack and PC-defence studies, and with coaches is beneficial. If more Indian goalkeepers played more minutes, it would be better obviously.
Regarding the widening of the talent pool, you have constantly maintained we need not just 24, but 40 or 60 players.Story continues below this ad
Craig Fulton: HIL helps in exposing more players from different regions who have played nationals but I might not have watched enough of them, or might not have been watched as thoroughly before. If their performances are consent, it’s an awesome opportunity for them. And if any of them really stand out, it’s perfect for us.
League phase down to the wire
It was relief more than joy for Tamil Nadu Dragons as the league phase came down to the wire in the men’s Hockey India League to decide the top four teams. For a team that led the way in the standings for a large part of the tournament, Dragons left it late to clinch the fourth and final semifinals spot, fighting back down from 0-2 down against a crestfallen UP Rudras to earn a 2-2 draw in regulation time, the point that sealed their spot in the knockouts. Earlier in the day, JSW Soorma Hockey Club became the third team to qualify, as they clinched the shootout bonus point against table-toppers Bengal Tigers.
HIL semifinals lineup (Jan 31):
Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers vs Tamil Nadu Dragons
JSW Soorma Hockey Club vs Hyderabad Toofans