Simranjeet Singh's 'mysterious' absence may prove unforgiving for India at Hockey World Cup

Before scoring the two goals in India's 5-4 win over Germany in the bronze-medal playoff, it was again Simranjeet who had helped India pick up the pieces in the pool stage after being thrashed by Australia 7-1. A late inclusion to the Tokyo Olympics squad as an 'Alternate Player' (standby), Simran watched the first two games from the stands of the Oi Hockey Stadium and received urgent summons, after the Aussie hammering, to be ready for the game against Spain. He scored the opening goal; but his versatility, dynamic movement with the ball and peripheral vision had a bigger impact.

India win bronze after 41 years