Ranchi Royals produced a composed performance in the shootout to beat HIL GC 4-1 after the two teams were locked at 4-4 at the end of four quarters in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. The thrilling match was played at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Monday and kept fans engaged from start to finish.

Araijeet Singh Hundal scored twice for the Royals in the 19th and 32nd minutes. Sam Lane added a goal in the 42nd minute, while Tom Boon struck late in the 57th minute. For HIL GC, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay found the net in the 25th and 53rd minutes. Kane Russell scored in the 36th minute, and Sudeep Chirmako added another in the 39th minute.

In the shootout, Ranchi Royals were flawless. Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost and Tom Boon converted their chances, while goalkeeper Suraj Karkera played a key role with crucial saves.

Royals Start Strong, Defences Hold Firm Early

Ranchi Royals began the match on the front foot. They made back-to-back circle entries in the opening minute itself. Mandeep Singh almost broke through early, but HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo made an important save to deny him.

After that early scare, HIL GC settled into the game. They enjoyed more possession during the rest of the first quarter. However, they struggled to create clear scoring chances due to the disciplined and compact defence of the Royals.

Penalty Corners and First Breakthrough

HIL GC earned the first penalty corner of the match in the 18th minute. Kane Russell fired a dragflick towards goal, but Suraj Karkera reacted sharply to make a strong save.

Soon after, Ranchi Royals earned a penalty corner of their own. However, Tom Boon was unable to convert. Play continued at a fast pace, and moments later, Ranchi Royals finally broke the deadlock.

Mandeep Singh showed sharp awareness to win the ball high up the field. His shot was stopped by Mazarelo, but the rebound fell kindly to Araijeet Singh Hundal (19'), who calmly pushed the ball into an open goal to give the Royals the lead.

HIL GC Respond Before Half-Time

HIL GC responded in the 25th minute with another penalty corner. Kane Russell’s dragflick was saved again, but Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (25') reacted quickly to tap in the rebound and level the score.

The equaliser opened up the contest. Both teams attacked with intent and created half-chances, but neither side could find another goal before the end of the first half.

Goals Flow Freely in the Third Quarter

Ranchi Royals regained the lead early in the third quarter. Mandeep Singh struck from the centre of the circle, and although the goalkeeper blocked his effort, Araijeet Singh Hundal (32') was once again in the right place to finish the rebound.

HIL GC did not take long to respond. In the 36th minute, Kane Russell made amends by converting a penalty corner with his trademark dragflick to bring the scores level again.

Just three minutes later, HIL GC took the lead for the first time in the match. Sudeep Chirmako (39') scored a well-taken field goal to put his side ahead. However, the advantage was short-lived.

Ranchi Royals hit back almost immediately. Jack Waller showed excellent control inside the circle and lifted the ball towards goal. Sam Lane (42') got a deflection that sent the ball past the goalkeeper to restore parity.

Late Drama Forces Shootout

The final quarter saw both teams push hard for a winning goal. HIL GC earned a penalty corner in the 47th minute, but Kane Russell was denied by another crucial save from Suraj Karkera.

At the other end, Ranchi Royals also won a penalty corner in the 62nd minute. Their planned variation did not work, as James Mazarelo stood firm with a timely save.

With seven minutes remaining, Ranchi Royals made a costly mistake at the back. Yashdeep Siwach misplaced a pass, allowing Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (53') to intercept and finish clinically, putting HIL GC ahead once more.

The Royals showed strong character to respond. In the 57th minute, they earned a late penalty corner. Tom Boon (57') stepped up and struck the ball cleanly into the top right corner, making it 4-4 and taking the match into a shootout.

Perfect Shootout Seals Royals’ Victory

Ranchi Royals delivered a near-perfect shootout performance. Vishnukant Singh, Sam Lane, Maxime van Oost and Tom Boon all converted their chances with confidence.

At the other end, Suraj Karkera was outstanding. He made decisive saves to restrict HIL GC to just one goal in the shootout, helping the Royals secure a 4-1 win and claim a hard-fought victory.