New Delhi [India], December 26 (ANI): After ending final within the inaugural season of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) with simply two wins, considered one of them coming in a shootout, and managing solely 4 targets throughout six league matches, Delhi SG Pipers will head into the upcoming season decided to show issues round and handle their struggles in entrance of objective, as per an HIL launch.
Delhi SG Pipers will depend on a composed goalkeeping unit as they give the impression of being to construct a extra resilient defensive construction this season. Argentina’s senior goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino brings priceless worldwide expertise this season ,whereas Bansari Solanki supplies a strong Indian choice between the posts.
In defence, the arrival of Udita is a major increase for the Pipers, including expertise, management and high quality in penalty nook conditions. The costliest participant from final season, Delhi SG Pipers had been fortunate sufficient to safe Udita for the bottom worth, who has 134 senior caps and 17 targets for her nation.
Young defender Jyoti Singh, captain of the Indian Junior Women’s Team, may even be a vital participant of their defensive unit. International expertise is additional bolstered by Spain’s Lola Riera and Argentina’s Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel, whereas Indian children Manisha, Shilpi Dabas and Suman Devi Thoudam add depth to the backline.
In midfield, skilled Australian Kaitlin Nobbs, with 16 targets in 156 senior appearances and Argentina’s 20-year-old wonderkid Juana Castellar,o with 48 senior caps already, will characteristic for the Pipers. Joining them shall be Sunelita Toppo who’s already a part of the Indian senior setup at simply 18. Her teammates from the just lately concluded FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, Ishika and Khaidem Shileima Chanu, are additionally a part of the squad.
Up entrance, Delhi SG Pipers will as soon as once more financial institution on India’s confirmed forwards, Captain Navneet Kaur and Deepika, two of the nation’s most prolific goalscorers who featured final season as nicely. While targets had been onerous to come back by within the earlier version, the duo’s expertise and ending capacity stay central to the crew’s attacking plans. Experienced Indian attackers Sharmila Devi and Preeti Dubey may even be part of them this season.
Another essential addition to the crew is Uruguay’s extraordinarily prolific ahead Maria Teresa Vianaache, who has slotted 69 targets in simply 68 appearances throughout worldwide appearances. Pipers additionally acquired Priscilla Jardel Mateos of Argentina as they purpose to enhance their conversion fee contained in the circle.
Strength:Delhi SG Pipers possess a robust core of skilled Indian internationals throughout departments. With confirmed performers similar to Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Udita and Sharmila Devi all of their prime, the aspect has the standard and profile to make a robust impression this season.
Weakness:Goals stay the largest concern for Delhi SG Pipers after scoring simply 4 targets within the league stage final season. But with 4 massive additions within the assault, the Pipers have made it clear that they are going to pose a a lot greater risk on objective this season.
Delhi SG Pipers Squad:
Cristina Cosentino (Argentina), Bansari Solanki, Udita, Jyoti Singh, Lola Riera (Spain), Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel (Argentina), Manisha, Suman Devi Thoudam, Shilpi Dabas, Sunelita Toppo, Kaitlin Nobbs (Australia), Juana Castellaro (Argentina), Ishika, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey, Maria Teresa Vianaache (Uruguay), Priscilla Jardel Mateos (Argentina).
Delhi SG Pipers will play their opening sport of the Women’s HIL in opposition to Ranchi Royals on twenty eighth December 2025, in Ranchi at 7:30 PM IST.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League shall be broadcast reside on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports. The matches may even be live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel. (ANI)