Vedanta Kalinga Lancers registered a strong 4–2 victory over Ranchi Royals in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

Alexander Hendrickx scored twice for the Lancers, while Gursahibjit Singh also struck two goals. For Ranchi Royals, Tom Boon and Mandeep Singh found the net.

Royals Take Early Lead in Fast Start

Ranchi Royals made a dream start by scoring in the opening minute. They earned an early penalty corner, and Tom Boon (1’) converted it with a powerful dragflick to put his side ahead.

The Royals controlled possession in the early phase, but Vedanta Kalinga Lancers quickly adjusted to the pace of the game. Their response came in the seventh minute when they won a penalty corner of their own. Belgian dragflick expert Alexander Hendrickx (7’) made no mistake, firing in the equaliser with a precise effort.

End-to-End First Quarter Action

Ranchi Royals regained the lead just two minutes later. Vishnukant Singh delivered a sharp first-time pass into the circle, and Mandeep Singh (9’) showed good control in a tight space before scoring.

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers continued to press for another equaliser. In the 13th minute, they tried a creative penalty-corner variation, but Rosan Kujur’s effort went narrowly wide of the target.

Lancers Turn the Game Before the Break

Vedanta Kalinga Lancers started the second quarter on the front foot and drew level through a well-worked field goal. Craig Marias showed excellent skill inside the circle and set up Gursahibjit Singh (16’), who finished with a diving touch.

The Lancers then took full control of the match. In the 26th minute, Dilpreet Singh shielded the ball well in the circle and passed it to Gursahibjit Singh (26’), who was perfectly placed to score his second goal.

Just two minutes later, the Lancers extended their lead again. Alexander Hendrickx (28’) converted another penalty corner, giving his side a comfortable advantage at halftime.

Lancers Defend Strongly in Third Quarter

Ranchi Royals dominated possession in the third quarter as they tried to slow the game down and create scoring chances. Despite their efforts, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers defence remained disciplined and organised.

In the 42nd minute, Ranchi Royals earned three consecutive penalty corners. However, the Lancers defended each one successfully. At the other end, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers also won a penalty corner, but Cooper Burns’ attempt was stopped by a sharp save from Royals goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.

Solid Defence Seals the Win

The final quarter was closely fought, with Ranchi Royals pushing forward in search of goals. Even so, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers stayed compact at the back and avoided costly mistakes.

Their solid defending ensured they protected their two-goal lead until the final whistle. The 4–2 victory gave Vedanta Kalinga Lancers a positive start to their Men’s Hero HIL campaign.