Former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh questioned the performance of the men’s team after it finished eighth in the FIH Pro League 2025-26 for the second season in a row, saying that India should measure itself against the world’s best instead of taking comfort from the success of the Asian tournaments.India ended the Pro League campaign with a 3-2 shootout win over England after a goalless draw in London on Sunday. The result helped India finish eighth with 19 points from 16 matches, after winning just four matches during the season. Only Pakistan finished below them in the nine-team table.Reacting to the campaign, Sreejesh said he is speaking because he cares about Indian hockey.“I am not against Indian hockey. I am disappointed because I care. My hockey knowledge may be limited, and this is just my opinion. (Armchair coaches, you can skip this.)”He pointed out that India have now finished eighth in the Pro League for consecutive seasons and rejected the argument that India is experimenting with players or tactics.“The last two seasons of the FIH Pro League revealed the truth – we finished 8th. If it wasn’t for Ireland and Pakistan, the standings would have been worse. Don’t tell me that we are trying new players or we are applying new strategies.”While acknowledging India’s recent Asian titles, he said it should not be seen as a yardstick to judge the team’s progress.“Yes, we won the Asian Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup. Congratulations to the team. But let’s be honest: those tournaments are no longer the benchmark to judge where Indian hockey stands globally.”He also referred to the common perception that India is building towards Asian Games as it serves as an Olympic qualifier.“Today the common explanation is: ‘We are focusing on the Asian Games because it is the Olympic qualifier.’ That’s understandable—but the Pro League table doesn’t lie. It really shows where we stand against the best in the world. “Sreejesh said that the gap between India and the rest of Asia is so clear that success in the region alone will not satisfy the team.“Our junior team can beat Pakistan, it also shows the gap between India and the rest of Asia. Expected to win the Asian tournaments. The real challenge is to consistently compete with the top teams in the world.”He also questioned whether the investment in a foreign head coach is yielding the expected results.“So here’s the question: Do we spend €24,286 a month on a foreign head coach just to dominate Asian competitions? Or do we invest to become a real medal contender in the World Cup, Pro League, and Olympics?”“Being complacent with regional success while struggling against the world’s elite should not be the norm for Indian hockey. Supporting the team does not mean remaining silent. Real supporters ask tough questions because they want higher standards—not lower expectations,” Sreejesh said.