New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS): Ritu Rani will skipper the Indian women's hockey team when they take the field in the eight-team FIH World League Round 2 to be played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here from March 7 to 15.

Hockey India (HI) Saturday announced an 18-member squad to be led by midfielder Ritu, who has 193 international caps, with Deepika (138 caps) as her deputy.

India are placed in Pool A with Poland, Ghana and Thailand while Malaysia, Russia, Kazakhstan and Singapore are in Pool B. The hosts will take on Ghana in its opener March 7.

“This team is full of confidence and an urge to win. They proved this during the recent Spain tour where they gave Germany a tough time and beat them 2-1. Going by their present form, I am sure the girls will continue their good show in the upcoming league and win. I wish them all the best," HI secretary general Mushtaque Ahmad said.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Savita, Rajani Etimarpu

Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika, Namita Toppo, Jaspreet Kaur, Sunita Lakra

Midfielders: Ritu Rani (Captain), Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur, Monika

Forwards: Rani, Poonam Rani, Anupa Barla, Soundarya Yendala, Amandeep Kaur, Vandana Katariya.