The Indian men's hockey team suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of defending champion New Zealand in their penultimate pool match in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia on Wednesday.
Although New Zealand have climbed to second spot behind Australia in the points table, India can leapfrog the Kiwis if they beat hosts Malaysia on Friday.
Kane Russel put New Zealand ahead in the 28th minute before India equalised eight minutes later through Mandeep Singh.
However, Nick Wilson was on target in the 41st minute to score the decisive goal for New Zealand.
