Vedanta Kalinga Lancers secured their place in the final of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Ranchi Royals in Qualifier 1 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.
In a match that was defined by defensive discipline, penalty-corner efficiency and moments of individual brilliance, Alexander Hendrickx once again proved why he remains one of the most decisive players in the tournament, scoring both goals for the Lancers to steer them through to the title clash.
The stakes were high and the intensity showed from the opening whistle. Ranchi Royals began the contest with greater urgency, moving the ball crisply through midfield and probing the Lancers’ defensive structure with early circle penetrations. Mandeep Singh and Nilam Xess tried to stretch the Lancers’ backline with quick interchanges, but the Odisha-based side remained compact and patient, refusing to be dragged out of shape.
That composure paid dividends in the 12th minute. Against the run of play, the Lancers earned a penalty corner and turned it into the breakthrough. Hendrickx stepped up and unleashed a trademark drag-flick that thundered past the Royals’ goalkeeper, giving Vedanta Kalinga a 1–0 lead. It was a classic reminder of the Belgian’s value while chances may be scarce in knockout hockey, his ability to convert set pieces often tilts matches decisively.
Stung by the concession, Ranchi Royals raised their tempo in the second quarter. They dominated territory, registering six circle entries and forcing four penalty corners as they searched for an equaliser. Each time, however, they ran into a defensive wall. The Lancers’ backline, statistically the best in the league with only eight goals conceded all season, was once again exemplary. Whether it was last-ditch tackles, well-timed blocks or disciplined zonal marking, the Royals found no easy route through. At the halfway stage, the Lancers went into the break still holding a slender but precious one-goal advantage.
If Ranchi were hoping for a reset after the interval, those hopes were quickly dashed. Just two minutes into the third quarter, Vedanta Kalinga struck again. Another penalty corner was awarded, and once more Hendrickx took responsibility. This time, he rifled his drag-flick with equal precision, doubling the lead and giving his side a commanding 2–0 cushion. In a contest where goals were at a premium, that second strike felt enormous.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
To their credit, Ranchi Royals did not fold. They continued to push bodies forward and, in the 40th minute, finally found a way through. A cleverly worked variation from a penalty corner caught the Lancers off guard, allowing Mandeep Singh to apply the finishing touch and reduce the deficit to 2–1. The goal injected new belief into the Royals’ camp and set up a tense final quarter.
The last 15 minutes were played at a frenetic pace, with both teams trading attacks in an end-to-end battle. Ranchi Royals threw everything they had at the Lancers’ defence, desperate for an equaliser that would take the contest to a shootout. They created seven circle entries and earned another penalty corner, but the decisive touch eluded them time and again.
Vedanta Kalinga were not content to simply defend. With eight minutes remaining, they nearly put the game beyond doubt when Rosan Kujur’s deflected effort crashed against the crossbar, leaving the Royals breathing a sigh of relief. Still, that moment underlined the Lancers’ willingness to continue attacking rather than retreating into a shell.
As the clock ticked down, the pressure mounted. Ranchi Royals surged forward in waves, but the Lancers’ defence marshalled with calm authority held firm. Every interception, clearance and block was greeted with roars from the home crowd, who sensed their team edging closer to the final.
When the final hooter sounded, it was Vedanta Kalinga Lancers who celebrated. The 2–1 win not only secured their place in the Hero HIL final but also validated their identity as the most balanced side in the competition efficient at set pieces, disciplined at the back and mentally strong under knockout pressure.
For Ranchi Royals, the defeat means one more chance to keep their title hopes alive. They will face Hyderabad Toofans in Qualifier 2 at the same venue on Sunday, January 25, with the winner advancing to meet the Lancers in the final. As the playoffs gather momentum, one thing is already clear: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers have timed their run to perfection. With Alexander Hendrickx in lethal form and a defence that refuses to crack, they now stand just one victory away from lifting the Men’s Hero Hockey India League crown.
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.
