Hitashi, who flew straight from Singapore after an impressive third-place finish at the Singapore Ladies Masters, has returned after missing last week due to her international commitments.

This will be a very strong field with Amandeep Dral, Sneha Singh, Khushi Khanijau and Vidyatri Urs, who showed on her professional debut last week that she is ready for the big stars.

Jasmin Shekhar, who was the runner-up last week, will be hoping to pull off a successful win after several close calls. Vidyatri, who was leading after the first round, eventually finished third.

Also in the fray is Sahar Atwal, who despite making the cut in Singapore last week, was unfortunately disqualified on technical grounds.

Two very promising amateurs, Saanvi Somu and Keertan Rajeev, who have played in national teams selected by the Indian Golf Association, are also in the field.

A total of 41 players, including six amateurs, will compete in the eighth leg at Bangalore Golf Club this week after competing in Mysuru last week, where Gaurika had won brilliantly with birdies on each of the last three holes.