Vedanta Kalinga Lancers underlined their growing confidence and tactical maturity in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Shrachi Bengal Tigers at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.
Two late goals in the fourth quarter from Alexander Hendrickx and Boby Singh Dhami sealed the Lancers’ second consecutive win, propelling them to second place on the points table and firmly establishing them as early contenders this season.
In a contest that ebbed and flowed, the Lancers showed patience and belief to overturn a narrow deficit in the closing stages. Hendrickx struck in the 52nd minute to draw his side level before Boby Singh Dhami produced the decisive moment five minutes later, finishing calmly to cap a dramatic turnaround. Shrachi Bengal Tigers had briefly threatened to take control after Affan Yousuf found the net in the 56th minute, but the Lancers’ response was swift and decisive.
The opening quarter belonged to Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, who pressed aggressively and controlled possession through midfield. Their intent was clear as they looked to move the ball quickly into attacking areas, forcing the Tigers to defend deep. However, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers regrouped well in the second quarter, finding better structure and slowing the tempo. They began to win key duels and disrupt the Lancers’ rhythm, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced heading into halftime.
The third quarter saw both sides trade control without either being able to create a clear breakthrough. Defensive discipline and goalkeeping at both ends ensured that chances were limited, setting the stage for a tense final quarter where the match ultimately came alive.
Reflecting on the game, Lancers Head Coach Jay Stacy acknowledged the shifting momentum and the challenges his side faced. “It was a tough match with momentum swings,” Stacy said. “The first quarter was ours; the second belonged to the Tigers, which is how high-level hockey often goes. After that it was quite even, but we made a few turnovers by going for too much too soon.”
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Those turnovers nearly proved costly when the Tigers broke the deadlock late in the fourth quarter through Affan Yousuf. Yet, rather than panicking, the Lancers stuck to their plan. Hendrickx’s equalizer injected belief, and the team continued to push with composure, trusting that chances would come.
Highlighting the key takeaway from the win, Stacy emphasized decision-making and mental strength. “We need to reduce those turnovers, maintain possession, stay brave, follow the game plan, and trust our process to keep creating opportunities,” he said. The coach’s words reflected a broader philosophy that has been evident in the Lancers’ early performances this season a focus on structure, patience, and belief under pressure.
A significant aspect of the Lancers’ campaign has been the integration and development of young Indian players alongside established international stars. Stacy spoke at length about the importance of this learning environment within the squad. “Playing alongside some of the world’s best is a great learning experience,” he explained. “Our young Kalinga Lancers players are learning both on and off the pitch through preparation, studying opponents, and understanding the demands of this level.”
He added that growth is not always measured by minutes on the field alone. “Even when they haven’t had extended pitch time yet, they’re absorbing a lot, and we’ll continue to rotate the squad to remain competitive,” Stacy noted, underlining the franchise’s long-term vision of building depth while staying competitive in a demanding league.
For Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, the win marked a perfect end to the Chennai leg of the competition. Two victories on the bounce have not only boosted their points tally but also strengthened belief within the camp as the league begins to take shape. The ability to grind out results in tight matches will be crucial as the season progresses, and Thursday’s comeback win offered further evidence of the Lancers’ resilience.
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The focus now shifts to their next fixture against HIL GC on January 11 in Ranchi, a test that will provide another measure of where the Lancers stand against strong opposition. With momentum on their side and lessons absorbed from each outing, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers appear well-placed to build on this promising start.
As the Men’s Hero Hockey India League gathers pace, performances like these reinforce why the Lancers are emerging as one of the most cohesive and competitive units in the competition an team willing to stay brave, trust the process, and deliver when it matters most.
