As the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025-26 Season 2 approaches, all eyes are on the Ranchi Royals, who’s going to play all the matches in it’s home ground. The tournament begins on December 28 with the finals slated on January 10. All the matches of women’s HIL will be played at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Stadium in Ranchi.
The tactical blueprint of the Royals for the upcoming season has a distinct South American flavour. After acquiring five of Argentina’s finest talents, the team is signalling a shift toward a high-press, attacking style of play while controlling the pace of the game in the midfield.
The acquisition of Agustina Albertario, Agostina Alonso, Lucina Von Der Heyde, and Maria Paula Ortiz in the mini auction bring Olympic level pedigree to the squad. The team with a blend of experienced overseas stars and good balance of local talent will hope to clinch the title in front of the home crowd.
Albertario, known for her speed and ability to beat defenders in 1v1 situations, provides the “X-factor” upfront. Lucina von der Heyde and Maria Sofia Darnay Elias are very capable faces in the defense line while also anchoring the transitions. In the midfield, Paula Maria Ortiz and Agostina Alonso would look to dictate the pace and smooth transitions during counter attacks.
With five Argentine players in the squad the team can also adopt the Latino Style of hockey with short, triangular passing patterns and a relentless high press that forces turnovers in the opposition’s half.
The Role of Indian Talents
While the overseas stars provide flair, the success of this tactical experiment rests heavily on the shoulders of the Indian core. The team has retained seasoned players like Neha Goyal, Ishika Chaudhary and Nikki Pradhan.
The seasoned Indian star Neha Goyal (192 caps), who was part of Odisha Warriors in the last season, becomes one of the most critical cogs in the Ranchi setup in a bid to balance the midfield.
Ishika Chaudhary has evolved into one of reliable defenders alongside local legend Nikki Pradhan. Both Indians know how to absorb the pressure and feed the ball to the playmakers.
In the forward line, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal is known for her clever positioning in the opposition half and would look to capitalise on the loose balls and rebounds. Two of local Jharkhand stars, Beauty Dung and Sangita Kumari are exceptionally talented girls in the attacking line. Sakshi Rana, who was impressive at the Junior World Cup would look to find the net regularly.
Known for agile reflexes and deflection, technically sound Indian custodian Bichu Devi Kharibam is all capable of guarding the net.
The Royals will start its campaign on December 28 against SG Pipers in the opening game.
Full Squad :
Bichu Devi Kharibam, Madhuri Kindo, Ishika Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Lalthantluangi, Neha Goyal, Nandni ,Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Deepika Soreng, Beauty Dung Dung, Sangita Kumari, Sakshi Rana,Albela Rani Toppo
Maria Sofia Darnay Elias , Lucina von der Heyde , Sabine Plönissen, Maria Paula Ortiz (Argentina), Agostina Alonso , Agustina Albertario , Hannah Cotter.
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