Regardless of two robust performances against Pakistan, India endured a lacklustre outing at the FIH World League Semifinal in London last month.

The Manpreet Singh-led aspect did crush their arch-rivals 7-1 and 6-1 however discovered themselves on the receiving finish against the lower-ranked Malaysia within the quarterfinals and subjected to a demoralising defeat within the fifth/sixth play-off tie to unfancied Canada.

Indian forward SV Sunil mentioned it was the quarterfinal match against Malaysia that affected the staff probably the most.

“Clearly, we had one unhealthy match against Malaysia where we definitely weren’t at our greatest. That, I really feel, is what cost us the event.

“I feel it was also a touch of overconfidence that cost us both games (Malaysia and Canada). We had been really shocked after the games and it (overconfidence) is one thing we must always have prevented,” rued Sunil, speaking to DH on the sidelines of a local hockey match here.