Women's HIL: Navneet Kaur to lead a strong forward line for Delhi SG Pipers – Preview

A fortnight after the resumption of the Hockey India League following a seven-year hiatus, the inaugural edition of the Women's HIL is all set to commence on January 12.

Unlike the men's event with eight teams, the women's league will be a four-team competition. Three franchises from the men's league – Soorma Hockey Club, Delhi SG Pipers, and Rarh Bengal Tigers – will also feature in the women's league.

The other team in contention will be Odisha Warriors backed by Navoyam Sports Ventures.

With the opening day of the Women's Hockey League just days away, we take a look at how the Delhi SG Pipers stack up before the season:

Delhi SG Pipers Squad

The Delhi SG Pipers will be led by experienced Indian forward Navneet Kaur in the inaugural edition of the Women's Hockey India League. The team splurged Rs 19 lakh on Kaur, making her the tenth most expensive buy in the player auction. Kaur will have a lot riding on her shoulders if the SG Pipers are to make a mark in the tournament.

They have managed to build a strong defensive unit with the four overseas players – Emma Puvrez, Miri Maroney, Stephanie de Groof, and Elizabeth Neal – in the mix along with the young Jyoti Singh.

The presence of Lily Owsley and Kendelle Tait makes the midfield dynamic, which otherwise lacks established Indian names.

The SG Pipers have a strong attacking unit with the likes of Sangita Kumari, Sunelita Toppo, Mumtaz Khan Charlotte Watson, and others to accompany Captain Kaur.

The understudy to Savita Punia, Bichu Devi Kharibam should start in front of the goal for the Pipers. Even if not, she should have good game time switching with Elodie Picard.

Goalkeepers: Bichu Devi Kharibam, Elodie Picard, Bansari Solanki

Defenders: Emma Puvrez, Miri Maroney, Stephanie de Groof, Elizabeth Neal, Jyoti Singh,

Midfielders: Manisha Chauhan, Manisha, Khaidem Chanu, Manashri Shedage, Lily Owsley, Kendelle Tait

Forwards: Ishika, Geeta Yadav, Sunelita Toppo, Charlotte Watson, Deepika, Himanshi Gawande, Sangita Kumari, Mumtaz Khan, Navneet Kaur, Preeti Dubey

Strength and Weakness

It is hard to look past the Delhi SG Pipers' attacking unit when talking about their strength. They spent heavily in this department, accounting for four of the top ten most expensive buys of the season.

Kaur (19 lakh), Deepika (20 lakh), Sangita (22 lakh), and Toppo (24 lakh) form a very potent attacking quartet. Skipper Kaur is the only experienced one though, but that should not be much of an issue for the Pipers. They even have the young Mumtaz and Watson, who will also surely slot into the eleven during the tournament.

The midfield looks a bit thin on paper for the Pipers. There's a dearth of a known Indian name there and it would be interesting to see how Owsley and Tait link up with a forward line consisting almost entirely of young Indians.

Delhi SG Pipers Fixtures

12 January: Delhi SG Pipers v/s Odisha Warriors

14 January: Delhi SG Pipers v/s Rarh Bengal Tigers

17 January: Delhi SG Pipers v/s Soorma Hockey Club

20 January: Delhi SG Pipers v/s Soorma Hockey Club

22 January: Delhi SG Pipers vs Rarh Bengal Tigers

23 January: Delhi SG Pipers v/s Odisha Warriors