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HIL: A strong Indian core to write a successful chapter of Gonasika - Preview, Squad

All you need to know about Team Gonasika ahead of the 2024 Hockey India League.

HIL: A strong Indian core to write a successful chapter of Gonasika - Preview, Squad
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A strong-looking Team Gonasika is ready to challenge for the title of Hockey India League 2024-25. (Photo Credits: team gonasika)

By

The Bridge Desk

Updated: 28 Dec 2024 9:23 AM GMT

The Hockey India League is all set to return to screens following a seven-year-long hiatus. The premier franchise-based competition is slated to commence with the men's event on December 28 before the inaugural women's event of the league is held on January 12.

While a total of eight teams will compete in the men's league, the women's competition will see four teams in action. The teams were formed following an intense three-day auction in October with team owners splurging lakhs of rupees to get themselves battle-ready.

With the renewed HIL just days away, we take a look at how Team Gonasika stacks up ahead of the season:

Team Gonasika Squad

Team Gonasika, owned by Tarini Prasad Mohanty, is amongst a few of the strongest-looking franchises for the upcoming Hockey India League, having a mix of both renowned senior players and proven youngsters.

They have also onboarded a brand ambassador in the likes of Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt. The team also has very good experience in their coaching set-up, having former Olympian Jagbir Singh as their head coach.

The team is looking solid in all departments as they have a good Indian core and many proven national team players like Mandeep Singh and Manpreet Singh. Also, they have good youngsters like Araijeet Singh and Amir Ali.

However, after the withdrawal of the explosive forwards Tim Boon and Jeroen Hertzberger, their backup option in the forward line is looking slightly weaker and they might have to depend upon former Indian veteran SV Sunil.

They will start their HIL campaign with the inaugural match of the tournament against Delhi SG Pipers on Saturday at 8:15 PM IST in Rourkela, Odisha.

Goalkeepers: Suraj Karkera, Kamalbir Singh, Oliver John Payne

Defenders: Amir Ali, Nilam Xess, Yogember Rawat, Birendra Lakra, Anmol Ekka, Dipsan Tirkey, Tim Howard

Midfielders: Manpreet Singh, Vishnukant Singh, S.Uthappa, Yashdeep Siwach, Lee Morton, Jack Waller, Timothée Clement, Jacob Draper

Forwards: Araijeet Singh Hundal, Mandeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah, SV Sunil, Victor Charlet, Struan Walker

Strength

The biggest strength of Gonasika is their core Indian strength as they have a very good Indian set-up in the team, starting from Araijeet Singh and Mandeep as forwards to Manpreet in midfield.

They also have experienced Indian players in the defense like Nilam Xess and Birendra Lakra with solid young backup options like Amir Ali, Dipsan Tirkey, and Yogember Rawat.

Gonasika has also bought a few former Indian internationals who have performed exceptionally well for India like SV Sunil, and S. Uthappa. Their experience will also help Gonasika in such a competitive league.

Weakness

Gonasika has a slight weakness in their foreign recruit as they don't have many experienced players who have played regularly in high-level competition.

Also, they don't have any regular drag-flicker in their line-up and will have to depend on their young star Araijeet Singh and Australia's Tim Howard to utilize most of their penalty corner opportunities.

Schedule

28 December - Team Gonasika Vs Delhi SG Pipers - 8:15 PM

1 January - Team Gonasika Vs Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers - 8:15 PM

4 January - Team Gonasika Vs Hyderabad Toofans - 8:15 PM

8 January - Team Gonasika Vs Tamil Nadu Dragons - 6:00 PM

9 January - Team Gonasika Vs Vedanta Kalinga Lancers - 8:15 PM

14 January - Team GonasikaVs Soorma Hockey Club - 8:15 PM

18 January - Team Gonasika Vs UP Rudras - 8:15 PM

21 January - Team Gonasika Vs UP Rudras - 8:15 PM

25 January - Team Gonasika Vs Tamil Nadu Dragons - 6:00 PM

28 January - Team Gonasika Vs Hyderabad Toofans - 8:15 PM

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