India, April 8 -- Having qualified for the World Cup last month, the preparation of the Indian women's hockey team for the quadrennial showpiece in August begins with the four-match tour of Argentina (April 13-17).

And for the trip the two big names who have made a comeback to the 24-member squad are goalkeeper Savita Punia and drag-flicker Deepika Sehrawat.

Former skipper Savita will be playing her first match since June 2025, having taken a break from international hockey for "personal reasons". Her return is timely as Argentina, the world No.2 team, is expected to thoroughly test the Indian defence.

In Savita's absence, India's No.2 Bichu Devi stepped up and showed she belongs at the highest level, performing her duties along with B...