Challenge awaits the Indians in Pakistan

After a disastrous campaign in the Athens Olympics, a depleted India will have to play out of their skin to be able to put across Pakistan in the opening match of the four-Test hockey series starting here tomorrow.

A win against their much-fancied rivals seems highly unlikely for the visitors with several rookie players in their ranks who have limited or absolutely no experience of playing at the highest level.

The Indian Hockey Federation announced a new-look team keeping an eye on the future, but its move to rebuild the side could get a serious beating at the hands of the Pakistanis, determined to prevail over their arch rivals…