Coach A K Bansal has said that India was ready to take on stronger teams in the next matches at the Azlan Shah tourney.

NEW DELHI (espnstar.com) - Coach A K Bansal has said that India was all set to take on stronger teams in the ensuing matches at the Azlan Shah Tournament at Ipoh, Malaysia.

Speaking to reporters after India's 3-1 win over Canada - their first after two straight losses - Bansal said: "The team gelled well today. With this win, we bounced back into the competition at the right time. Now we can take on stronger teams like Pakistan and Malaysia with confidence."

The coach said he had been worried with the failure of his forwards in the matches against New Zealand and Argentina, but they had finally come good especially with the circle penetration.

However, he expected the forwards to improve further as the tournament proceeded. "If they settle sooner that is better."

Bansal also praised his young defenders, especially Innocent Kully and Diwakar Ram.

Former India captain and team manager Parget Singh was of the view that the midfield game had improved but there was a need to be more consistent as well.

"Our aim will be to control the midfield and whenever get a chance go for attack, not going for attack all the time," Parget said.