Salima Tete: Australia series will push India women's hockey to limits
Synopsis
India women's hockey captain Salima Tete isn't framing the Australia series as a friendly — she's framing it as a stress test. After levelling a series against world No. 2 Argentina, India head to Perth ranked 9th, facing the 8th-ranked hosts, with the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland as the real prize in sight.
Key Takeaways
Salima Tete leads India in a four-match friendly series against Australia, starting Tuesday at Perth Hockey Stadium .
India are ranked 9th in FIH World Rankings; Australia are ranked 8th .
India drew their last series 2-2 against world No.
2 Argentina earlier this year.
The squad trained at SAI Bengaluru under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne ahead of the tour.
Rising talents Sonam , Hina Bano , and Lalthantluangi are part of the 22-member squad .
The series serves as key preparation for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26 in Auckland.
India women's hockey captain Salima Tete has said the upcoming four-match friendly series against Australia, beginning Tuesday at Perth Hockey Stadium, will push her side to its limits — and that is precisely the challenge the team needs ahead of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26. The series marks a defining stretch in India's tournament preparations.
Captain's Mindset Ahead of Perth
'The entire squad is really looking forward to this tour. Playing against Australia, especially on their home turf, is always a tough challenge, and that is exactly what we need at this stage of our preparations. Every match in Perth will be crucial for us,' Salima said.
She added: 'We want to head into the Nations Cup in Auckland with momentum and confidence. Australia will push us to our limits, and we want to use that to become a stronger unit.'
Confidence Built on Argentina Display
India arrive in Perth on the back of an encouraging tour of Argentina earlier this year, where they held the world No. 2 side to a 2-2 series draw after losing the first two matches. That comeback underlined the squad's resilience and ability to adapt mid-series — qualities that will be tested again against the 8th-ranked Australians.
Currently ranked 9th in the FIH World Rankings, India enter the series as the lower-ranked side on paper, but with a squad that has grown in stature through recent international exposure.
Preparations at SAI Bengaluru
In the weeks leading up to the tour, the squad underwent high-intensity training at the national camp in SAI Bengaluru under chief coach Sjoerd Marijne. The sessions focused on tactical drills, structural play, penalty corner variations, and overall match fitness — areas identified as critical for the Nations Cup campaign.
Youth and Experience in 22-Member Squad
The 22-member squad blends seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. Rising players Sonam, Hina Bano, and Lalthantluangi are among those eyeing opportunities on the tour. Experienced goalkeeper Savita and midfielder Lalremsiami provide the spine of a balanced unit.
Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Savita, Bichu Devi Kharibam. Defenders: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Shilpi Dabas. Midfielders: Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Neha, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Deepika Soreng, Sonam. Forwards: Navneet Kaur, Baljeet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Ishika, Hina Bano, Rutuja Dadaso Pisal.
What's Next
With all four matches scheduled at Perth Hockey Stadium, India will look to build combinations and test game plans before heading to Auckland for the Nations Cup. How the team responds to Australia's pressure in each successive match will be the clearest indicator of their readiness for the tournament.
Point of View
Just weeks before a major tournament — signals a maturity in how the programme is being managed. The Argentina series result was encouraging, but a 2-2 draw after two losses is not the same as controlling a series. The Perth tour will reveal whether that resilience is repeatable or situational. Sjoerd Marijne's emphasis on penalty corner variations and structural play is notable: these are precisely the areas where India have historically leaked goals at the highest level. If the Nations Cup is the destination, Perth is the last real diagnostic before the journey begins.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does India's four-match hockey series against Australia begin?
The series begins on Tuesday at Perth Hockey Stadium in Australia. All four matches of the friendly series are scheduled to be played at the same venue.
Why is the Australia series important for India women's hockey?
It serves as crucial preparation for the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26, to be held in Auckland. Captain Salima Tete has described the series as an opportunity to become a stronger unit under pressure.
What was India's recent form before the Australia tour?
India held world No. 2 Argentina to a 2-2 series draw earlier this year, levelling after losing the first two matches. The result boosted the squad's confidence heading into the Perth tour.
Who is coaching the India women's hockey team?
Sjoerd Marijne is the chief coach of the Indian women's hockey team. He oversaw the high-intensity training camp at SAI Bengaluru in the weeks leading up to the Australia tour.
Which new players are part of India's squad for the Australia series?
Rising talents Sonam, Hina Bano, and Lalthantluangi are among the players in the 22-member squad looking for opportunities on the tour, alongside experienced names like Savita and Lalremsiami.
