A dominant India roared back to winning ways with a 5-0 mauling of Malaysia in a round-robin fixture of the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy hockey here on Sunday.

Local favourite Karthi Selvam (15th minute) and vice-captain Hardik Singh (32') were on target, along with skipper Harmanpreet Singh (42'), Gurjant Singh (53') and Jugraj Singh (54').

The result took India to the top of the table, helping them inch closer to sealing a semi-finals berth.

With the first quarter coming to a close, Harmanpreet ran towards the Malaysian box unmarked and passed the ball inside to Selvam, who comfortably tapped it in to give the hosts the lead.

Just a couple of minutes into the third quarter, it was a penalty corner that midfielder Hardik successfully converted off a rebound after the initial flick from Harmanpreet was parried away by the goalie.

In the 42nd minute, India received three consecutive penalties, and the third one was converted by Harmanpreet.

In the final quarter, after a couple of corner chances, Gurjant shot in the fourth for the Indians in the 53rd minute, thanks to Hardik's assist for Mandeep Singh.

A minute later, Jugraj successfully converted yet another penalty corner to extend their lead.