India, Sept. 5 -- The past four summers have been more like a spring for India, verdant and abloom, yielding medals at the Olympics, top prizes in continental competitions, podium spots in the Pro League.

However, Harmanpreet Singh and Co have found this year's heat to be scorching. Ever since they resumed Pro League duties in June, the world No.8 outfit has been going downhill, looking very unlike the team that went toe-to-toe with the world's best in the previous seasons.

First, they lost seven successive matches in the Pro League to finish eighth out of nine teams, just about escaping the ignominy of relegation. Then, they lost three of their four friendlies to Australia in Perth last month. Though they are still undefeated here at t...