Ranchi Royals produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 season, scoring four goals in a blistering final quarter to overpower defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers 4–1 and claim their first three points of the campaign.
What looked like a frustrating evening for the home side for nearly three quarters transformed into a night of celebration as the Royals flipped the contest in the final six minutes.
The opening exchanges reflected the pedigree of the Bengal Tigers, who asserted themselves early with a high press and quick ball movement. They earned a penalty corner as early as the second minute, signalling intent, though Ranchi survived the early scare. The Royals responded through Sam Lane, who was lively from the outset and forced a penalty corner of his own in the fifth minute, only for the Tigers’ defence to stand firm. Both goalkeepers were quickly brought into action, with Ranchi custodian Suraj Karkera producing a sharp save in the ninth minute to keep the scoreline level. Despite end-to-end hockey and a high tempo, neither side could find the breakthrough in the opening quarter.
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The second quarter continued in the same vein, with Ranchi attempting to control possession while the Tigers looked dangerous on turnovers. The deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute under unusual circumstances. Despite being reduced to ten men following a green card, the Tigers struck first when Abhishek unleashed a fierce ball into the circle, expertly deflected past the goalkeeper by Ketan Kushwaha. The goal was a landmark moment for Kushwaha, the youngest player in the league, and underlined the Tigers’ efficiency in key moments.
Ranchi pushed hard for an equalizer before halftime. Captain Tom Boon came agonisingly close in the dying seconds of the half, but Tigers’ goalkeeper James Carr produced a fine reflex save to preserve the visitors’ 1–0 lead at the interval. At that stage, the defending champions looked composed and in control.
After the break, the Tigers adopted a more conservative approach, dropping into a five-man defensive line to protect their slender advantage. Ranchi attempted to stretch the field by playing wide and increasing the tempo but found openings hard to come by against a disciplined Bengal backline. The Tigers, meanwhile, had chances to double their lead through penalty corners, yet Ranchi’s defence marshalled well by Manpreet and Yashdeep, held firm. As the third quarter ended with the Tigers still ahead, the contest appeared to be slipping away from the Royals.
What followed in the final quarter, however, completely altered the narrative. The turning point arrived in the 54th minute when Tom Boon led from the front. The skipper dispossessed a Tigers player in midfield, combined swiftly in a one-two move, and finished with a clinical reverse hit to restore parity. The equalizer ignited the home crowd and injected fresh belief into the Royals’ play.
Barely two minutes later, Ranchi capitalised on their momentum. Veteran forward Mandeep Singh showcased his experience and composure to slot home the go-ahead goal in the 56th minute, giving the Royals their first lead of the match. The Tigers, who had looked so assured for much of the contest, suddenly appeared rattled.
With the visitors struggling to regroup, Ranchi continued to press. Lachlan Sharp struck in the 58th minute to make it 3–1, effectively putting the result beyond doubt. The Tigers attempted to throw bodies forward in the closing stages, but that only left them vulnerable at the back. In the final minute, Tom Boon struck again to complete his brace and cap a remarkable 4–1 comeback.
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Sam Lane was named Player of the Match for his relentless work rate in midfield and his role in driving Ranchi’s attacking momentum, particularly in the decisive final quarter. For the Royals, the victory represents more than just three points it is a statement of resilience and intent after a challenging start to the season. For the Bengal Tigers, it was a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the HIL.
All matches of the Hero Hockey India League are broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and DD Sports, with live streaming available on Waves and the Hockey India League YouTube channel.
