When cricket broke hearts, hockey gave India a reason to smile
New Delhi, June 28
It was a Sunday that Indian sports fans would rather forget-until hockey stepped in to rescue the mood.
While both the Indian men's and women's cricket teams suffered painful defeats on foreign soil, the men's hockey team ensured the weekend didn't end without a smile, producing a gritty performance to beat England in a dramatic shootout in the FIH Hockey Pro League.
The heartbreak began at Lord's, where India's hopes of reaching the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals came crashing down. Despite posting one of their best batting efforts of the tournament with 170 on the board, Harmanpreet Kaur's side watched helplessly as Australia chased down the target with an over to spare. Brilliant half-centuries from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner powered Australia to a six-wicket win, knocking India out of the competition.
For India, it was another familiar tale-moments of brilliance overshadowed by a crushing exit at the business end of an ICC tournament. The defeat left them third in Group 1 with six points, while Australia and South Africa advanced to the semifinals.
If that disappointment wasn't enough, more misery awaited thousands of kilometres away in Ireland.
The young Indian men's T20 side, fresh from lifting the T20 World Cup earlier this year, suffered a shock 0-2 series defeat after Ireland clinched a thrilling one-run victory in the second T20I at Stormont. It was Ireland's first-ever bilateral T20I series win over India and ended the visitors' remarkable streak of 16 consecutive T20I series victories dating back to 2023.
Even more impressive was the manner in which the Irish pulled it off. Lorcan Tucker's men showed tremendous character, defending totals in both matches to script one of the greatest weekends in Irish cricket history.
Just when Indian sports fans thought Sunday had nothing left to offer, hockey came to the rescue.
The Indian men's hockey team held its nerve in London, defeating England 3-2 in a tense shootout after regulation time ended goalless. The victory not only provided a fitting end to India's FIH Hockey Pro League 2025-26 campaign but also ensured that the tricolour had something to celebrate on an otherwise gloomy day.
It was a reminder of why hockey continues to occupy a special place in Indian sport. On a day when cricket brought only disappointment, the Men in Blue with hockey sticks delivered the joy that millions had been waiting for.
Not every Sunday belongs to cricket. This one, unquestionably, belonged to hockey.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian living abroad, this really hit home. It's easy to get carried away with cricket's glory, but hockey is where our true grit lies. The women's team deserved better though, they've been improving so much. Still, proud of the hockey team for turning the mood around.
Cricket ka kya hi bolna, same old story - brilliant performance but choking at crucial moments. Harmanpreet and the girls played well but Australia are just too clinical. And the men's T20 team? Beaten by Ireland! 🫣 Unbelievable! Hockey team saved the day, proper champions mentality there. We need to give hockey more media coverage, not just when cricket fails.
Honestly, this is why I love Indian hockey. No drama, no IPL money distractions, just pure passion and teamwork. 0-0 after regulation time and still they held their nerve in shootout against England. That's mental strength that our cricket teams lack sometimes. Respect to PR Sreejesh and the team! 🙌
Great perspective from an Indian viewpoint. Cricket is the nation's obsession but hockey is our heritage. The shootout win against England must have felt amazing after a tough day of losses. But I would also say, let's not be too harsh on the women's cricket team - they've come a long way and Australia is the best team in the world.
Ek dum sahi kaha! "Not every Sunday belongs to cricket." Sometimes we need these reminders that India's sporting talent runs deeper than just one game. The hockey boys
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