Hockey India League 2024-25: Delhi SG Pipers sign Lucas Toscani as replacement for Christopher Ruhr
Hockey India League franchise Delhi SG Pipers have roped in the services of Argentina midfielder Lucas Toscani as a replacement for German forward Christopher Ruhr, the franchise announced on Monday (October 28).
Christopher opted out of the Hockey India League 2024-25 due to an ACL injury. He sustained the injury on his left knee during the Paris Olympics 2024 qualifiers in January.
"Welcome, Lucas Toscani, to the Delhi SG Pipers family! The Argentine midfielder joins the men’s squad, replacing Christopher Rühr, who is ruled out of the league due to medical reasons," a tweet from Delhi SG Pipers read.
Lucas has been part of the Argentina squad for several major tournaments such as the Pan American Cup 2022, Pan American Games 2023, Hockey World Cup 2023, and Paris Olympics 2024.
He was also in the national team for the FIH Pro League for five consecutive years from 2019 to 2024.
Delhi SG Pipers head coach Graham Reid was disappointed with Christopher's unavailability for the Hockey India League 2024-25. However, he was glad to have Lucas join the club for the season. Reid was quoted as saying in a press release:
"Really disappointed that Christopher is injured and therefore not able to play for us. But I'm really hopeful he'll be able to join us next year and the year after. But, I think Lucas is going to be fantastic."
"He's got really good skills, is a 3D player and someone who is very keen to play in India. I think it'll be a great privilege to have him join the team and he'll complement our attacking play."
Delhi SG Pipers squad for Hockey India League 2024-25
Goalkeepers: Tomas Santiago (Argentina), Pawan, and Adarsh G.
Defenders: Jarmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Rohit, Pau Clapes (Spain), Joginder Singh, and Corey Weyer (Australia).
Midfielders: Shamsher Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Willott KY (Australia), Ankit Pal, Lucas Toscani (Argentina), Jorrit Croon (Netherlands), Manjeet, and Thokchom Kingson Singh.
Forwards: Tomas Domene (Argentina), Nicolas De Kerpel (Belgium), Dilraj Singh, Aditya Lalage, Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Sumit Kumar, and Iktidar Ishrat.