Hockey India announces women’s team for Test Series Down Under

 New Delhi, 12 November, 2016: Hockey India today announced the 18-member Indian senior women’s team for the Test Series to be played against Australia in Melbourne from November 23 to November 30.

The team will be led by midfielder Vandana Katariya while her deputy will be defender Sunita Lakra.

Rajani Etimarpu and Savita continue to remain India’s reliable custodians while the defence line will be held by Deep Grace Ekka, Salima Tete, Rashmita Minz, Navdeep Kaur and Sunita Lakra. The midfield too remains unchanged with in-form Rani, Deepika, Nikki Pradhan, Navjot Kaur, Monika and Karishma Yadav. The forward line will be formed by experienced Poonam Rani, Anuradha Devi Thokchom, Vandana Katariya, Preeti Dubey and Sonika.

Upbeat and confident after the recent success at the 4th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy where they beat China in the final, the Indian eves are looking forward to make amends for the disappointing outing Down Under earlier this year prior to the Olympics. “After the Olympics, the team is playing with a fresh perspective and attitude towards the game. The recent win in Singapore goes to show that the team is eager to do well against best of the teams in the world and would continue doing well against Australia in their home turf. This will give us a lot of confidence going forward in the new Olympic cycle,” stated skipper Vandana Katariya.

GOALKEEPERS
1. Savita
2. Rajani Etimarpu

DEFENDERS
3. Deep Grace Ekka
4. Salima Tete
5. Sunita Lakra (Vice Captain)
6. Rashmita Minz
7. Navdeep Kaur
MIDFIELDERS
8. Nikki Pradhan
9. Navjot Kaur
10. Karishma Yadav
11. Rani
12. Deepika
13. Monika
FORWARDS
14. Poonam Rani
15. Anuradha Devi Thokchom
16. Vandana Katariya (Captain)
17. Preeti Dubey
18. Sonika