The Indian women’s hockey team felt the absence of their star striker and drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat at last month’s Asia Cup in Hangzhou, where they fell to hosts China in the final. A 2mm hamstring tear sustained during a training session before the team’s departure forced the 21-year-old from Hisar to miss the 2026 World Cup qualifier, disrupting India’s penalty corner (PC) strategy. “We missed Deepika as we were also focused on indirect PC attempts through her. She is a player who can win matches,” head coach Harendra Singh told Hindustan Times, underscoring her critical role in the team’s attack. Now on the mend, Deepika is poised for a cautious return next month, prioritizing full recovery to avoid re-injury.

Deepika’s rehabilitation is progressing, but the drag-flick’s physical demands require careful management. “The injury is much better now, but I have to get stronger because if I slip again, it can become more serious,” she told Hindustan Times. While she can now walk comfortably, resuming drag-flick practice will take longer due to the strain it places on her hamstring. A former wrestler who transitioned to hockey, Deepika has honed her skills under elite mentors like India’s Rupinder Pal Singh, Dutch legend Taeke Taekema, and renowned PC coach Toon Siepman. Her training in the Netherlands with Siepman, who also coaches 2024 FIH Player of the Year Yibbi Jansen, has refined her technique, boosting her conversion rate and earning her the Player of the Tournament title at the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, where she scored 11 goals.

Deepika’s return is vital for India’s ambitions to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, especially after missing the Paris Olympics and being relegated from the Pro League. With the Asia Cup and Pro League routes closed, the February-March qualifiers are India’s final chance to secure a spot in the quadrennial event. Failure to qualify would isolate the team from top-tier competition, a setback Deepika is determined to prevent. “Next year is very important with the World Cup and Asian Games, which is a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics. We have to strengthen our mindset,” she said. To prepare, the team plans to intensify matches against men’s teams, including juniors and India A, to sharpen their game speed in the absence of bilateral series against top-10 nations.

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Before rejoining the national squad, Deepika will compete in the Hockey India League (HIL) for Delhi SG Pipers, who retained her after finishing last in the previous season. Optimistic about a turnaround, she emphasized the need for better team cohesion: “Last time, our team was good, but the connection was missing from defenders to midfield and strikers. This season, we have to bond and communicate well.” Her 17 goals in 2024, making her the third-highest scorer globally behind Jansen and Belgium’s Ambre Ballenghien, highlight her potential to lead both club and country to success.

Deepika’s journey from a wrestling background to becoming a linchpin for India’s hockey aspirations reflects her resilience and skill. As she nears her comeback, the focus remains on ensuring a full recovery to unleash her drag-flick prowess in the qualifiers. With the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympic dreams at stake, Deepika’s return could be the spark India needs to reclaim its place among hockey’s elite, provided her team can harness the unity and mental fortitude she champions.

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