New Delhi (PTI): Revival may sound premature but AK Bansal, coach of the Indian team which finished runners-up in the just-concluded Azlan Shah Cup, senses a wind of change in Indian hockey which looked in the doldrums following a spate of controversies in recent past.

"From the response we got from different quarters after the tournament, I can feel a wind of change in Indian hockey," Bansal said on his arrival from Malaysia.

Before the tournament, the Indian Hockey Federation was suspended and replaced by an ad-hoc committee after a sting operation caught IHF secretary K Jothikumaran taking money, allegedly to induct a player in the national team.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) refused to deal with IHF, while the Sports Ministry also put pressure on the federation, prompting the Indian Olympic Association to suspend it.

There was controversy surrounding team selection for the Azlan Shah as well but Bansal's boys put behind everything and came up with a gutsy show to finish second in the tournament.

According to Bansal, the good work should continue if India was to revive its national game.

"We should start the renaissance now, from today itself," he said.

The Indian colts put up a splendid show in Malaysia and Bansal admitted he did not expect the team to reach the final after losing first two matches.

"I never thought that the team can actually make a comeback. The margin of defeat in the early two matches was very big and the situation was grave but the boys returned to form just at the right time and once we were on, there was no looking back," he said.

"The turning point for us was definitely the Pakistan match, which we won 2-1. It lifted the morale of the side," he said.

Asked how the team coped with the spate of controversies before leaving for Malaysia, Bansal said the boys took it in their strides.

"We had to take some psychological preparation. In each meeting we used to motivate the team. I told the boys that there was hardly any expectation and hence whatever we do here will be a bonus," he said.

"And so when the boys went down to the field there was no pressure on them," he added.

Bansal said the youngsters were bubbling with confidence ahead of the upcoming Junior Asia Cup.

"Azlan Shah final is not important, what is more important is the exposure that this tournament has provided to these young players. We have 12 junior players in the team and I am sure they will play well in the junior Asia Cup in July," he said.

Bansal singled out drag-flicker Sandeep, who was the leading scorer in the tournament, and said the Punjab lad did an excellent job.

"He not only played well as a drag-flicker but also did tremendously well on the field. He was very dependable.

"I told him 'if you don't perform, the only two persons to be affected would be you and me. So you have to prove yourself'," he said.