Former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh questioned the performance of the men’s team after they finished eighth in the FIH Pro League 2025–26 for the second consecutive season, saying that India should measure themselves against the world’s best rather than take solace from success in Asian tournaments.India ended their 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, having won just four matches during the season. Only Pakistan finished below them in the nine-team table.Reacting to the campaign, Sreejesh said he was talking about it because he cared about Indian hockey.“I am not against Indian hockey. I am disappointed because I care. My knowledge of hockey may be limited, and this is just my opinion. (Armchair coaches, you can skip this one.)”He said that India have now finished eighth in the Pro League in consecutive seasons and dismissed the argument that India is experimenting with players or tactics.“The last two seasons of the FIH Pro League have exposed the reality – we finished 8th. If not for Ireland and Pakistan, the classification could be even worse. Do not tell me that we try new players or apply a new strategy.”While acknowledging India’s recent titles in Asia, he said it should not be seen as the benchmark 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 in the world.”He also referred to the common opinion that India is building towards the Asian games because it serves as an Olympic qualifier.“Now the usual explanation will be: ‘We are focused on the Asian Games because it is the Olympic qualifier’. It is understandable, but the Pro League table does not lie. It showed exactly where we stand against the best in the world.”Sreejesh said the gap between India and the rest of Asia was clear enough that regional success alone should not satisfy the team.“Our junior team can beat Pakistan, it also shows the gap between India and the rest of Asia. Asian tournament winners are expected. The real challenge is always competing with the best teams in the world.”He also asked if the investment in a foreign coach would have the expected results.“So here’s the question: Do we spend €24,286 a month on a foreign coach just to dominate Asian competitions? Or do we invest to become a real medal contender at the World Cup, Pro League and Olympics?”“Being satisfied with regional success while fighting against the world elite should not be the standard for Indian hockey. Supporting the team does not mean staying silent. True supporters ask tough questions because they want higher standards, not lower expectations,” Sreejesh said.