After missing out on this year's FIH Pro League, the Indian women's hockey team has a point to prove -- that they belong among the best teams in the world. The inaugural FIH Women's Nations Cup, which starts on December 11 in Valencia, Spain, is an opportunity for Janneke Schopman's side to do just that, and end their mixed bag of a year on a high.
Firstly, what's this tournament all about?
The importance of this tournament lies in the fact that the winners will be promoted to play in next season's FIH Pro League.
A similar tournament took place for the men's teams as well recently, where South Africa, the host nation, won the title and will play in the 2023-24 season of the FIH Pro League.
So, who are India facing in the tournament?
A total of eight teams in two groups will fight it out for the title. India will face Chile, Japan and South Africa in Pool B. Pool A has Ireland, hosts Spain, Italy and South Korea.
India will play all teams from their group once and the top two make it to the semifinals. The final is scheduled on 17 December, 2022.
What's India's schedule?
India vs. Chile on December 11 at 7.45 PM IST.
India vs. Japan on December 12 at 7.45 PM IST.
India vs. South Africa on December 14 at 7.45 PM IST.
Who is in India's squad
Savita Punia has been named the captain of the team while Deep Grace Ekka will be her deputy. Forward Beauty Dungdung will make her international debut at the tournament while experienced midfielder Navjot Kaur returns to the squad after missing the Birmingham Commonwealth Games due to COVID-19.
The team largely consists of the core group of players who have been playing together for quite a few years now.
Goalkeepers: Savita (captain), Bichu Devi Kharibam
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka (vice-captain), Gurjit Kaur, Nikki Pradhan, Udita, Ishika Chaudhary
Midfielders: Nisha, Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Monika, Neha, Sonika, Jyoti, Navjot Kaur
Forwards: Vandana Katariya, Lalremsiami, Navneet Kaur, Sangita Kumari, Beauty Dungdung
Where is Rani Rampal?
Ever since the Tokyo Olympics, where Rampal helped her team to finish fourth, the former captain has been missing from the national team, apart from a lone match. She suffered from a serious hamstring injury and had to miss this year's World Cup and Commonwealth Games.
She recovered from the injury and made a successful return at the Gujarat National Games, helping her state Haryana win gold. She was arguably the best player at the Games, playing in all six matches and scoring 18 goals.
Despite there being no injury concerns now, Schopman hasn't picked her for the Nations Cup. She did not give any concrete reasons except indicating that fitness wise, Rampal is not at the level she needed to be. "I pick the team that is competitive and right now the best fit to perform to the best of their abilities. The emphasis is on 'right now'," Schopman said during an earlier interaction with ESPN.
What are India's chances in the tournament?
Taking rankings into context, India are second best (8) behind Spain (7) before the start of the tournament. India are expected to finish in the top two, but will face tough competition for the top spot from Japan in Pool B. Spain and Ireland are favourites to qualify for the semifinals from the other pool.
It's pertinent to remember that Spain beat India 1-0 in the Women's World Cup earlier this year, which knocked them out of the tournament. Spain are also the host nation so they'll be aware of the conditions and better prepared than most of the teams.
The format is such that only champions are rewarded in terms of a spot in the FIH Pro League. India run the risk of missing out on playing quality matches even if they endure one bad game.
What are the issues India need to sort?
Under Schopman, India's overall attacking game has improved -- they move the ball quickly through the midfield and create opportunities to score. Other teams know that India will come at them hard with their press and ball movement, so they tend to defend deep.
While Vandana is usually reliable, she will need help from her fellow forwards when it comes to scoring. This is where Sharmila Devi couldn't make it count and was dropped: she was getting into great positions inside the circle, but her finishing was poor.
The addition of Beauty Dungdung promises excitement. The 19-year-old forward from Jharkhand is one of the best talents around in the country, having represented India in the junior World Cup and helped the team finish fourth.
Another important aspect is the conversion of penalty corners. Gurjit Kaur, India's penalty corner specialist, did not have a great year. In fact, the penalty corner conversion rate was one of the biggest factors in India's disappointing run at the World Cup, where they finished ninth. Gurjit has kept her place in the team, but this might be due to the fact that India don't have better options at the moment.
"I was disappointed about our penalty corner execution and I was trying to figure out why. There are multiple reasons, I think," said Schopman. "I actually put an open-ended question to players as well, asking them where you think we can make improvements. It was quite welcoming. In the bigger scheme of things, we need to develop more dragflickers in general. The problem for me specifically is when (new players) come to the senior team, it's already too late. It's unlikely that someone who starts dragflicking after they come to the senior team will be a world threat."
Where can this tournament be watched?
India's matches will be streamed live on Fancode and Watch Hockey apps.