Delhi SG Pipers stands out in the Hero Hockey India League with a squad that combines youthful energy and the seasoned guidance of coach Graham Reid, known for his dynamic hockey style. The team composition reflects Reid’s vision and aligns with his coaching philosophy. Here’s a closer look at the key players.
Goalkeepers:
Pawan has been involved with the Indian National Camp, spending time under the guidance of PR Sreejesh. He is recognized for his ability to make rapid recovery saves after initially blocking shots, particularly during set pieces. In Delhi, Pawan is set to receive ample playing time to settle into the team.
Rennie Benjamin, from Perth Thundersticks, is known for his proficiency, especially with his left hand, showing remarkable skill when stopping shots using a single hand. This ability adds to the competition for the goalkeeper position, ensuring adequate rest periods between quarters. His presence not only challenges Pawan but also provides Adarsh with an opportunity to enhance his goalkeeping techniques.
Defense:
Pipers has deliberately crafted a squad of hard workers, capable of maintaining a strong pace and stamina throughout the game. The versatility of their backline allows players to fly up and down the pitch like gladiators, bringing excitement to every match. Made up of young talents trained by PR Sreejesh, experienced Indian players, and international stars, this team knows its goal. Their style aligns with coach Graham Reid’s philosophy of high-energy, aggressive play from defense.
Jarmanpreet Singh is incredibly important for India on the right side. He works hard and has boundless energy, making him key for attacks from the right. When he loses the ball, his fast recovery pace lets him get it back or block shots. He is tactical and understands the importance of switches, playing passes to the other side to surprise the defense. He is also tremendous centrally and can play different positions when needed.
Varun Kumar, as a center half, exhibits a tendency to move forward on the pitch to contribute to numerical advantages in attack. Using his pace, he efficiently recovers and tracks back to deliver aggressive tackles, particularly in central areas near the shooting circle. His versatility allows him to play effectively on the left side as well. Additionally, Varun is a penalty corner taker.
Rohit, known for his versatility, can effectively play as a center half, wing-back, or even drop into midfield to create numerical advantages, such as 3v4 scenarios. His aggressive defensive style allows him to cover ground, and he prefers using lofted aerial passes to quickly advance the ball upfield. During the Asia Cup, under PR Sreejesh’s coaching, he was part of a strategy involving three penalty corner specialists to add unpredictability. He has also been used as a fearless first rusher under CR Kumar.
Gareth Furlong brings a wealth of experience from his tenure with Great Britain, where he has been entrusted with the significant responsibility of taking penalty corners for Wales. Furlong is known for his aggressive counter-pressing tactics and his relentless pursuit of forwards, particularly on the wider sides of the field. His dynamic approach enhances both the defensive and offensive capabilities of the team.
Corey Weyer infuses the team with sharp intelligence in defensive reading within the circle, where his positioning stands out more than his counter-pressing. Versatile in his role, he serves effectively as both a defensive anchor and a left wing-back. His ability to deliver line-breaking passes to find the free man upfield adds a dynamic offensive edge, while his powerful flick during penalty corners makes him a daunting presence. According to the Hockey One League statistics, Corey has earned the nickname “Endurance Machine” for covering the largest distance on the pitch and topping the sprinting charts with an impressive 809 meters. This speaks volumes about his exceptional qualities as a defender.
Joginder Singh typically positions himself as the lone center back, as evidenced by his performance in the MCC Murugappa Cup. He is known for his use of aerial passes to distribute the ball to the forward line, opting for positioning rather than engaging in counter-pressing due to his pace. Additionally, he poses a threat with his powerful execution of penalty corners.
Midfield:
Pipers has built their midfield strategy around high intensity and players who can adapt to various roles, whether they are junior hockey prodigies, seasoned senior nationals, or internationally recruited athletes. These players are known for being workhorses as well as explosive talents, adding a dynamic dimension to the midfield.
Ankit Pal has become a key component of the India Junior Team in the midfield with his array of qualities. He juggles various roles, concentrating attacks from the wider areas, swiftly recycling possession, and distributing precise passes. He is also a defensive-minded midfielder who collects the ball from defenders before using his quality to progress upwards. In the absence of wing-backs, he adeptly defends the broader defensive flanks, ensuring balance in the team’s structure. On a tactical level, he can provide good security to Jarmanpreet Singh.
Thockchom Kingson impresses with his skillful ball-carrying, having been a key figure in driving Manipur’s forward play since his junior days. For the Indian Junior Team, however, he’s been sculpted into a pivot, working in tandem with Ankit Pal to shield the backline and reduce transitions, ensuring the team’s structure remains solid.
Shamsher Singh has proven to be an indispensable asset for the Indian team under coach Craig Fulton. His role as a workhorse in the midfield involves creating threats from the wide areas, while also executing underlaps through the central line to support the forwards and inject dynamism into the midfield. He will also play as a guide to Manjeet in the team for a similar position.
Rajkumar Pal exemplifies the artistry of Indian hockey with his creative flair. His ability to slice through defenses with the finesse of his wrist movements is reminiscent of using scissors. His capacity to deliver lofted passes breaks through defensive lines, and his intelligent dribbling often leads to advantageous penalty corner situations. He stands out as an exceptional technician in outmaneuvering opponents and generating space on the field.
KY Willot is a midfielder known for his lung-bursting runs, dynamism, and exceptional speed to cover the transition from defense to offense. His role is crucial for Delhi SG Pipers, especially considering their commitment to a high-intensity style of play to sustain energy throughout the match. KY Willot’s contributions will be essential in both defending transitional movements and supporting the team’s creative line.
Forward:
The front-line of Pipers is composed of players with a broad spectrum of skills. This includes those skilled in creativity and driving from the flanks, as well as those who pose a central threat. The team is supported by highly skilled technicians and promising young talents, further enhancing their game with a notable threat from penalty corner set pieces. Both junior players and international recruits align with this tactical approach.
Lucas Toscani, a multi-dimensional player for Delhi SG Pipers, is recognized for his impressive air dribbles and half-turn qualities, using the head of his stick to escape from pressing traps, even when facing multiple double-teaming opponents. He excels in one-on-one situations, delivers sublime crosses to strikers, and creates numerous goal-scoring opportunities for himself with his artistic dribbles and close control.
Even when provided with less time and space in the circle, he unleashes devastating tomahawk shots. Toscani also takes the initiative during penalty corners and can adapt to play either as an interior forward or anchor to shield the defense.
Alongside him, Tomas Domene, Argentina’s central forward, leads the press for the team and is known for his powerful drag flick, posing a deadly threat in set-piece situations.
Koji Yamasaki is the quintessence of intensity on the field, a trait that defines Japanese nationals in field hockey. His great speed, relentless drive, and the pace at which he orchestrates the game dictate its flow. Positioning himself higher up the field, he massively contributes to the offensive dynamics. Additionally, he can provide solid back-up to fellow defenders as needed by tactical requirements. His experience in various top leagues has further enhanced his technical skills.
The Indian Junior trio will play key roles within the Delhi SG Pipers team for the upcoming campaign. Under the mentorship of PR Sreejesh, these players have been trained to perform dynamically across various positions, enabling them to adapt to multiple roles on the field. Each player brings a distinct set of skills, crucial for overcoming and evading defenders within the circle.
Dilraj Singh is noted for his dynamic dribbling and remarkable speed. His ability to quickly release the ball, coupled with excellent close control, ensures he can pull defenders out of position, thereby creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. When playing centrally, he is particularly challenging for opponents. During the Junior Nationals, his off-the-ball movements, including rotations with Arshdeep to maintain a pressing line, have been exemplary.
Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, positioned on the left, has control with his left hand and adeptly utilizes his half-turn in one-on-one situations. His ability to read and react to rebound situations adds another layer to his defensive manipulation tactics.
Ishrat Iktidar mirrors Sourabh Anand Kushwaha’s abilities, utilizing his half-turn effectively in one-on-one scenarios and displaying good control, which aids in manipulating defenders to create openings for penalty corners.
Aditya Lalage has proven to be a ‘ghost’ in the circle, with clever positioning for deflections and rebounds, particularly effective in the 14-meter area. His deceptive play style allows him to bypass pressing traps and make key link-up passes.
Sumit Kumar shares traits similar to Aditya Lalage, showing a knack for clever positioning within
the circle, adept at deflections and rebounds, and known for his deceptive movements to bypass defenders.
Jake Whetton brings a broad and complete package to the circle, showcasing his ability to score from various parts of the pitch, whether in tight spots, overpowering central defenders, finishing crosses on the first touch, or diving to put his body on the line for a goal. His raw physical strength in his build allows him to generate considerable power, making him a complete representation of a player with an eye for goal.
Coaching Staff:
Graham Reid serves as the head coach, notably instrumental in ending India’s Olympic medal drought since 1980. His acumen in player profiling and nurturing young talent is well-recognized. Reid’s coaching resume is highlighted by numerous accolades, including multiple gold medals at the Champions Trophy, Commonwealth Games, and World League, leading India to achieve a top world ranking during his tenure.
PR Sreejesh, appointed as Director of Hockey for Delhi SG Pipers, has brought a similar high-octane style of play to the Junior team. His familiarity with the players he has previously worked with adds depth to the Delhi team’s roster. Under his leadership, there’s an expectation to learn and adapt from the managerial strategies of Graham Reid.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Pawan, Adarsh G, Rennie Benjamin.
Defenders: Joginder Singh, Gareth Furlong, Rohit, Jarmanpreet Singh.
Midfielders: Shamsher Singh, Thockchom Kingson Singh, Ankit Pal, Manjeet, KY Willot, Lucas Toscani, Rajkumar Pal, Jake Whetton.
Forwards: Tomas Domene, Ishrat Iktidar, Koji Yamasaki, Aditya Lalage, Sumit Kumar, Dilraj Singh, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha.
Fixtures:
- December 28, 2024 – Team Gonasika vs. Delhi SG Pipers
- December 31, 2024 – Delhi SG Pipers vs. Hyderabad Toofans
- January 4, 2025 – Delhi SG Pipers vs. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers
- January 6, 2025 – Soorma Hockey Club vs. Delhi SG Pipers
- January 11, 2025 – Delhi SG Pipers vs. UP Rudras
- January 13, 2025 – Tamil Nadu Dragons vs. Delhi SG Pipers
- January 16, 2025 – Delhi SG Pipers vs. Vedanta Kalinga Lancers
- January 22, 2025 – Delhi SG Pipers vs. Soorma Hockey Club
- January 27, 2025 – Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers vs. Delhi SG Pipers
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