Delhi SG Pipers Aim for Redemption in Upcoming Women's Hockey India League Season
Aiming for Improvement After Last Season's Struggles
Following a disappointing performance in the inaugural Women's Hockey India League (HIL), where they finished at the bottom with only two victories—one via shootout—and a mere four goals in six matches, the Delhi SG Pipers are gearing up for the new season with a focus on enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Strengthened Defence and Goalkeeping
This season, the Pipers will depend on a solid goalkeeping lineup to establish a more robust defensive framework. Cristina Cosentino, an experienced goalkeeper from Argentina, joins the team, complemented by Bansari Solanki, who offers a reliable Indian option in goal.
The addition of Udita significantly enhances the defensive lineup, bringing experience, leadership, and expertise in penalty corners. Remarkably, the Pipers secured Udita at the base price despite her being the most expensive player last season; she boasts 134 senior caps and 17 goals for her national team. Young defender Jyoti Singh, who captains the Indian Junior Women's Team, will also play a vital role in defense. The international experience is further enriched by Spain's Lola Riera and Argentina's Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel, while Indian talents Manisha, Shilpi Dabas, and Suman Devi Thoudam provide additional depth.
Revamped Midfield
In the midfield, the Pipers will feature seasoned Australian Kaitlin Nobbs, who has netted 16 goals in 156 senior matches, alongside Argentina's promising 20-year-old Juana Castellar, who has already earned 48 senior caps. Sunelita Toppo, an 18-year-old already part of the Indian senior squad, will also join them, along with her teammates from the recent FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup, Ishika and Khaidem Shileima Chanu.
Attacking Reinforcements
In the forward line, the Pipers will once again rely on the talents of Captain Navneet Kaur and Deepika, two of India's most accomplished goal scorers from last season. Despite challenges in scoring previously, their experience and finishing skills are crucial to the team's attacking strategy. Additionally, experienced forwards Sharmila Devi and Preeti Dubey will bolster the attack. A significant new addition is Uruguay's prolific forward Maria Teresa Vianaache, who has scored 69 goals in just 68 international appearances. The team has also signed Priscilla Jardel Mateos from Argentina to enhance their scoring efficiency.
Team Analysis
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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).
Opening Match and Broadcast Details
The Delhi SG Pipers will kick off their Women's HIL campaign against Ranchi Royals on December 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST in Ranchi. All matches of the Hero Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports. Fans can also watch the matches live on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.