Vedanta Kalinga Lancers began their Hero Hockey India League (HIL) campaign on a positive note with a composed 4–2 victory over Ranchi Royals at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
In a match that tested their defensive structure and attacking clarity, the Lancers showed resilience after an early setback, with Alexander Hendrickx and Gursahibjit Singh scoring twice each to secure the opening points of the season.
The contest began at a brisk pace, with Ranchi Royals capitalising on early momentum to take the lead in the first quarter. The Lancers, however, responded with composure rather than panic. After a brief period of adjustment, they began to assert control through better ball circulation and improved spacing across the field, laying the foundation for their comeback.
Belgian drag-flick specialist Alexander Hendrickx brought the Lancers back on level terms in the seventh minute with a well-executed penalty corner, underlining his value as a proven big-match player. The equaliser settled the side, and the momentum gradually swung in their favour. Gursahibjit Singh then took charge in open play, scoring two sharp field goals in the second quarter that showcased both individual quality and coordinated team movement.
Gursahibjit’s first goal came in the 16th minute, the result of sustained pressure and quick passing around the circle, before he struck again ten minutes later to give the Lancers a decisive edge. Hendrickx added his second penalty corner conversion in the 28th minute, extending the lead to 4–2 by halftime and giving the Lancers a crucial cushion heading into the second half.
With a two-goal advantage, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers shifted focus towards control and discipline after the break. The defensive unit remained compact, closing down spaces effectively and denying Ranchi Royals clean entries into the circle. Crucially, the Lancers defended a series of penalty corners with composure, reflecting both preparation and collective responsibility.
Despite periods of pressure from Ranchi Royals, the Lancers rarely looked unsettled. Their ability to slow the game down, retain possession when required, and clear lines under pressure ensured that the scoreline remained unchanged through the third and fourth quarters. Reflecting on his performance, Gursahibjit Singh was quick to emphasise the collective nature of the win. “It feels really good that I was able to net two goals, but it was a complete team effort,” he said. “Our focus is to improve match on match and finish well on the podium.”
The young forward also highlighted the learning environment within the squad. “It’s a great experience for all of us younger players. The team is bonding really well, and that helps us grow on and off the pitch. We want to keep building on that understanding.” Head coach Jay Stacy echoed those sentiments, pointing to steady progress in team cohesion since the pre-season camp in Bhubaneswar. “It’s going pretty well,” Stacy said. “From our camp in Bhubaneswar, the boys started getting to know each other right from the start. Off the pitch, there was good energy early on.
On the pitch, there was some early miscommunication, but that has been improving with every session and continued to grow in this match.” Stacy was measured in his assessment of the performance, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement. “All teams in this league are very strong, with quality foreign and Indian players,” he noted. “So the focus for us is on our structures and discipline within those structures.”
Defensively, the Lancers impressed with their work rate and organisation. “We worked very hard in defence as a team,” Stacy said. “There is still room to improve, but the effort was strong. Going forward into attack, we can improve our flow at the right times. Decision-making knowing when to counter-attack and when to build with possession is something we can continue to refine.”
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Game management, according to Stacy, will be a defining factor as the league progresses. “When we are leading, we need to avoid unnecessary risks and adapt to the situation. Holding the ball when required and choosing the right moments to attack will be important because most matches are going to be close.”
The victory provides Vedanta Kalinga Lancers with early confidence as they prepare for a tougher test against defending champions Shrachi Bengal Tigers on January 8. With attacking firepower already evident and defensive discipline beginning to take shape, the Lancers have laid down a solid marker for the season ahead. As the Hero Hockey India League continues to raise competitive standards, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers’ opening performance suggested a side that is not only talented, but increasingly cohesive a group, as Jay Stacy put it, that is growing with every session.
