The SG Pipers will head to Women’s Hockey India League 2025-26 season aiming for a complete shift in narrative this season. A poor campaign in the previous edition that saw them struggle at the bottom of the table as they managed to secure only two wins. The Pipers have returned with a revamped tactical blueprint to transform them from underdogs to title contenders this year. They retained the services of Indian mainstay Navneet Kaur and Deepika, and brought in Udita to lead the charge for SG Pipers. Under the guidance of head coach Sofie Gierts, the Pipers will look to adopt a more balanced approach this season.
The primary issue that the Pipers need to fix is their lack of finishing touches this season. Last season, the team struggled to find the net, managing a lowly goals tally that left their defenslce under pressure.
To solve this, the franchise went aggressive at the mini-auction in September, acquiring the services of Uruguay’s Maria Teresa Vianaache. The South American boasts a good record of nearly a goal per game at the international level, she adds the attacking instinct that Pipers have desperately lacked. She is joined by her skipper Navneet and Deepika, two of the most reliable goal scorers for India. The trio possess one of the most dangerous attacking units in the league. Also, the Pipers added Priscilla Jardel Mateos of Argentina to bridge the gap between their midfield transitions and circle entries. Alongside her, Sharmila Devi and Preeti Dubey will complete the forward line.
Strengthening the defence, the Pipers had signed Udita Duhan, the country’s one of the most versatile defenders. Udita’s ability to read the game and her speciality in penalty corners gives the Pipers an allround performer. They have brought in International experience in Spain’s Lola Reira and Argentina’s Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel. Alongside them, young defender Jyoti Singh, skipper of the Indian junior women’s team will play a crucial role.
The midfield engine room will be powered by Australia’s Kaitlin Nobbs, Juana Castellaro of Argentina and the rising Indian star Sunelita Toppo. Eighteen-year-old talented Toppo is known for her pace and agility at the centre. The experienced Nobbs and Juana will cover a lot of ground and will help maintain team shape, and building on that Pipers will hope to dominate possession and control the tempo and flow of the game.
In Cristina Cosentino, SG Pipers have one of the best custodians. The Argentine goalkeeper brings in Olympic level experience and a dynamic presence that will be vital for the team. Bansari Solanki provides the back-up option.
The challenge remains steep for SG Pipers. The aim would be to avoid losing possession and improve finishing efficiency. With a squad that boasts a perfect blend of overseas players, along with a mix of experienced and young Indian talent, they will look for redemption this season leaving the past behind them and aiming for the title.
SG Pipers will face Ranchi Royals in their opening game at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Stadium in Ranchi on December 28.
SG Pipers Squad:
Indian : Bansari Solanki, Udita, Jyoti Singh, Manisha, Suman Devi Thoudam, Shilpi Dabas, Sunelita Toppo, Ishika, Khaidem Shileima Chanu, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Sharmila Devi, Preeti Dubey
Overseas: Maria Teresa Vianaache, Priscilla Jardel Mateos, Cristina Cosentino, Kaitlin Nobbs, Juana Castellaro, Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel, Lola Riera
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