Goalkeeping legend Savita will continue to lead the Indian women’s hockey team, while Deep Grace Ekka will be the deputy for the FIH Pro League double-header against world number one Netherlands at the Kalinga Stadium on April 8 and 9.
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The 22-man squad list includes fresh faces in defender Mahima Chaudhary and forward Aishwarya Rajesh Chavan, while veteran striker Rani Rampal has been named as probables after a protracted injury.
He has been out of action since last year’s Tokyo Olympics, where he led the team to a historic fourth place.
The Indian team for the double-header has Rajni Etimarpu as the second goalkeeper, while Grace Ekka will be assisted in defense by Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Rashmita Minz and Suman Devi Thoudam.
While head coach Janke Schopmann expressed disappointment over England’s inability to tour India for the Pro League, he expected some news faces to do well in matches against the Dutch.
“It is great to be back on the field for our Pro League games against the Netherlands after the disappointment of not being able to tour England. With our juniors playing the Junior World Cup, we have the opportunity to harness the depth of our core group and I look forward to seeing the potential to see some fresh faces take the field in these games.
“The Queen has also worked hard to get back in contention and if this training week goes well, I hope we can play her in one of the games,” Schopman said.
“The Netherlands are a formidable opponent, they showed last weekend against the USA that they score with ease and play with a tight defence. We are looking to build on our performance since our last game versus Germany and are excited to show our progress against a stronger opponent,” she said.
The Indian women’s team is currently ranked fourth in the Pro League table, having played six matches so far. They have won three matches and added one point with a shootout win. Netherlands, on the other hand, have won five of the six matches they have played and have an extra point from a shootout win.
Shaft:
Goalkeepers: Savita (captain), Rajni Etimarpu; Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Rashmita Minz, Suman Devi Thoudam, Midfielders: Nisha, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Jyothi, Navjot Kaur, Monica, Namita Toppo, Sonika, Neha, Mahima Chaudhary; Forwards: Aishwarya Rajesh Chavan, Navneet Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Rani, Mariana Kujur.
Standby: Upasana Singh, Preeti Dubey, Vandana Kataria.
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