New Delhi, Dec 23 (NationPress) As the second season of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) approaches, the Ranchi Royals are gearing up to embrace a new challenge while kicking off their campaign in their home territory. Having retained key players such as Neha Goyal, Ishika Chaudhay, and Rutuja Dadaso Pisal, the team has strategically bolstered its lineup with significant acquisitions during the mini-auction held in September.

The Royals enter this season equipped with two Indian goalkeepers. Madhuri Kindo is expected to provide support off the bench as she did last season, while the addition of national team goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam solidifies their primary defense.

In their defensive lineup, the Ranchi Royals feature a robust combination of seasoned Indian players and skilled international talent. Nikki Pradhan (197 senior caps for India) and Ishika Chaudhary (76 senior caps for India) are anticipated to be the backbone of their defense, complemented by the Argentine duo Lucina von der Heyde and Maria Sofia Darnay Elias.

Another significant addition is Sabine Plönissen from the Netherlands, alongside Lalthantluangi, who impressed at the recent FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup.

In midfield, Neha Goyal will lead alongside Argentina’s two-time Olympic medallist Agostina Alonso. Alonso brings a wealth of experience, having claimed a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2022 and a bronze at the Paris Olympics in 2024, providing the Royals with much-needed stability.

Joining the midfield is Maria Paula Ortiz, who arrives with considerable experience, while Nandni is eager to showcase her skills after representing India at the recent FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. Young Indian midfielder Albela Rani Toppo will also be part of the upcoming season.

On the offensive side, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal aims to continue her scoring streak after netting a decisive brace in last season’s final. Agustina Albertario, another two-time Olympic medallist from Argentina, will spearhead the forward line, supported by New Zealand’s Hannah Cotter and India’s Deepika Soreng.

Representing their home franchise, two rising stars from Jharkhand, Beauty Dung Dung and Sangita Kumari, will join the roster. Alongside these talented players, the forward line will also feature Sakshi Rana, who made waves at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup by scoring three goals for India. She will be eager to showcase her scoring talents against elite competition.

With a number of local talents on their roster, the Ranchi Royals will aim to harness the enthusiasm of their devoted home crowd, which could be crucial in tight matches. The team possesses a commendable mix of international experience and youthful vigor, providing depth across all positions, supported by a robust defense and an attacking lineup filled with proven scorers, all aiming for a successful season.

However, there are concerns about their reliance on international and experienced players for goal contributions from midfield. Adapting to the league's intensity may pose challenges, particularly for their younger forwards.

With this refreshed squad, the Ranchi Royals are poised to make their mark in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League. The tournament kicks off on December 28, with the Royals facing the SG Pipers in the inaugural match.

Ranchi Royals squad: Bichu Devi Kharibam, Madhuri Kindo, Ishika Chaudhary, Nikki Pradhan, Lalthantluangi, Maria Sofia Darnay Elias (Argentina), Lucina von der Heyde (Argentina), Sabine Plönissen (Netherlands), Neha Goyal, Nandni, Maria Paula Ortiz (Argentina), Agostina Alonso (Argentina), Albela Rani Toppo, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Deepika Soreng, Beauty Dung Dung, Sangita Kumari, Sakshi Rana, Agustina Albertario (Argentina), Hannah Cotter (New Zealand).

All matches in the Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3, and DD Sports.

The matches will also be live-streamed on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.