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While the Indian men's team failed to reach the semi-finals, the discussion surrounding the goalkeeping department has continued after the World Cup.

Sreejesh, who retired from international hockey after the Paris Olympics, remains one of the most influential goalkeepers in Indian hockey history.

Sreejesh's Absence Highlights Goalkeeping Concern

Sreejesh's departure left India with the difficult task of finding a long-term successor to a goalkeeper who delivered on some of the biggest stages in the sport.

The two-time Olympic bronze medallist was known for his ability to produce crucial saves under pressure, particularly during penalty shootouts and tight knockout matches.

His importance to Indian hockey has become even more apparent as the team looks to build for the next Olympic cycle.

'Our Goalkeepers Should Be Given Preference'

Former England and Netherlands coach Paul van Ass, who has worked closely with the international hockey system, highlighted one possible solution, giving Indian goalkeepers greater exposure at the Hockey India League.

The argument is that India's goalkeepers need regular opportunities to play alongside and against some of the world's best players.

"In Hockey India League, our goalkeepers should be given preference. I mean, what is the use of having a Hockey India League when you're not exposing our goalkeepers and our drag flickers?" was the suggestion reported after India's World Cup campaign.

Need To Build The Next Sreejesh

India cannot expect another Sreejesh to emerge overnight. Developing a goalkeeper capable of handling the pressure of international hockey requires years of specialised training and high-level match experience.

"If your basics are right, right from some junior level, and then it will take eight years or 10 years, but you have to start from somewhere," the expert assessment underlined.

The Hockey India League could provide an ideal platform for that development, allowing young Indian goalkeepers to compete against elite international attackers rather than spending most of their careers as understudies.

Road Ahead For Indian Hockey

With the Asian Games and the qualification journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics ahead, India have little time to waste in developing their next generation of goalkeepers.

Sreejesh's legacy is not simply about the saves he made. It is also about setting a benchmark for what an Indian goalkeeper can achieve at the highest level.