After a difficult inaugural campaign in the Women’s Hero Hockey India League, SG Pipers head into the 2025–26 season with clear intent to reset and rebuild.
Finishing at the bottom of the table last season with just two wins one coming via a shootout and scoring only four goals across six league matches, the Pipers endured a year where results rarely matched ambition. The upcoming season presents an opportunity to address those shortcomings, with a reshaped squad that places renewed emphasis on experience, balance and attacking output.
The most striking feature of SG Pipers’ squad for the new season is the strong Indian core that runs through every department. Having identified defensive stability and goal-scoring efficiency as key problem areas last year, the franchise has moved decisively in the auction and recruitment process to strengthen both ends of the pitch.
In goal, the Pipers will rely on a combination of international experience and domestic reliability. Argentina’s senior goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino brings with her years of exposure at the highest level, offering composure and leadership inside the circle. Alongside her, Bansari Solanki provides a dependable Indian option, ensuring depth and continuity in a position that often defines close matches in league hockey.
Defensively, the acquisition of Udita stands out as a major coup. One of India’s most established defenders, Udita arrives with 134 senior international caps and 17 goals, many of them from penalty corners. After being the most expensive player in the previous season, SG Pipers managed to secure her at base price this time, a move that significantly strengthens their backline while adding an attacking threat during set-piece situations. Her presence is expected to bring structure and authority to a defence that struggled to cope with sustained pressure last season.
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Udita will be supported by a mix of youth and international quality. Jyoti Singh, captain of the Indian junior women’s team, is set to play a crucial role, continuing her steady progression into senior-level responsibility. The defence is further bolstered by Spain’s Lola Riera and Argentina’s Costa Biondi Valentina Isabel, while Indian youngsters Manisha, Shilpi Dabas and Suman Devi Thoudam add depth and energy to the unit. This blend gives the Pipers flexibility in defensive combinations and the ability to adapt to different tactical demands across matches.
The midfield has also been reinforced with an eye on control and creativity. Australia’s Kaitlin Nobbs, who has scored 16 goals in 156 senior international appearances, brings experience, work rate and an understanding of high-tempo hockey. Alongside her is Argentina’s 20-year-old Juana Castellaro, already capped 48 times at senior level and regarded as one of the most promising midfielders of her generation. Their partnership is expected to provide stability in transitions and improve ball retention, areas where the Pipers often fell short last season.
Adding to the midfield depth are young Indian talents Sunelita Toppo, already part of the senior national setup at just 18, and her Junior World Cup teammates Ishika and Khaidem Shileima Chanu. Their inclusion reflects a deliberate effort to blend established internationals with emerging domestic players, creating a squad that is competitive now while also building for the future.
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Up front, SG Pipers have made their intentions clear. After managing only four goals in the league stage last season, scoring has been the primary focus of their recruitment strategy. The team will once again be led by captain Navneet Kaur and Deepika, two of India’s most reliable forwards who also featured in the inaugural edition. While opportunities were limited last season, their experience and familiarity with the league environment remain central to the Pipers’ attacking plans.
They will be joined by seasoned Indian attackers Sharmila Devi and Preeti Dubey, adding further domestic firepower. The most eye-catching addition, however, is Uruguay’s prolific forward Maria Teresa Vianaache, who boasts an outstanding international record of 69 goals in 68 appearances. Her ability to convert chances inside the circle addresses a glaring weakness from last season. Argentina’s Priscilla Jardel Mateos has also been signed to improve the team’s efficiency in the final third, giving the Pipers multiple attacking options rather than relying on a single source of goals.
On paper, SG Pipers now possess one of the more balanced squads in the competition. Their strength lies in the experienced Indian core across defence, midfield and attack, with players such as Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Udita and Sharmila Devi all entering the season in their prime years. This foundation, supported by carefully chosen overseas signings, gives the team the tools to compete more consistently.
The primary question remains whether the revamped forward line can translate promise into goals. Last season’s struggles in front of goal were decisive in shaping their campaign, but the scale and profile of attacking reinforcements suggest that SG Pipers are determined not to repeat those mistakes.
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SG Pipers will begin their Women’s HIL 2025–26 campaign against Ranchi Royals on December 28, 2025, in Ranchi, with the match scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. All matches of the Hero Hockey India League will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
