Despite clinching a hard-fought victory against Japan in the Asia Cup, India’s defensive frailties were glaringly evident throughout the match. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur openly acknowledged the lapses that put the team under pressure, emphasizing the need for immediate tactical adjustments. The Indian defense, while showing moments of resilience, struggled to maintain consistency against Japan’s quick attacking moves, leaving gaps that could have altered the game’s outcome had they been more clinical. This exposed vulnerability rings alarm bells ahead of more challenging fixtures in the tournament.

Coach Craig Fulton echoed these concerns, pointing out several technical and strategic issues that require urgent attention. The coaching staff highlighted areas such as:

  • Defensive coordination: Difficulty in maintaining a cohesive backline under sustained pressure.
  • Positioning errors:…