Vedanta Kalinga Lancers’ journey to the final of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 has been built on structure, patience and an unshakeable belief in their system.
On Friday night at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, those qualities were on full display as the league leaders edged Ranchi Royals 2–1 in Qualifier 1 to become the first team to secure a place in the title match.
The victory capped a dominant league phase for the Lancers, who had already finished top of the table with 16 points, and further reinforced their status as the most complete unit in the competition. While Alexander Hendrickx’s two penalty corner conversions grabbed the headlines, the foundations of the win were laid in the disciplined defensive structure marshalled by skipper Arthur Van Doren.
Across the season, the Lancers have conceded just eight goals, the lowest tally in the league, and that solidity once again proved decisive in a high-stakes knockout contest. Ranchi Royals came into the match with one of the most potent attacking line-ups in the tournament, but they found little space against a well-drilled Lancers backline that refused to be stretched.
“We knew this would be a difficult game against a side with a lot of attacking quality and individual skill,” Van Doren said after the match. “Our focus was on staying compact, denying space in dangerous areas and making sure we were connected defensively throughout the match. We weren’t perfect in every phase, but the discipline was there. Everyone put their body on the line, communicated well and stuck to the structure we’ve worked on all season.”
That structure was evident from the opening quarter. While Ranchi enjoyed periods of possession and forced several circle entries, the Lancers remained composed, funnelling attacks wide and protecting the central corridor. When the breakthrough came in the 12th minute, it was no surprise that it arrived from a penalty corner. Hendrickx, one of the most reliable drag-flickers in world hockey, rifled the ball past the goalkeeper to give his side the lead.
The Belgian repeated the feat early in the second half, once again punishing Ranchi from a set piece to double the Lancers’ advantage. It was his tenth goal of the season and another reminder of how lethal the side has become when earning penalty corners, converting at an impressive 29.7 percent.
Yet for Hendrickx, the goals were merely a reflection of the team’s collective mindset. “I think the key for us was how we defended as a unit,” he explained. “We started well, went 2–0 up and even when they came back into the game, we stayed calm and conceded only one goal. It may not always look spectacular, but it’s efficient. We managed the game well, especially in the final phase, by holding the ball, making smart decisions and staying patient.”
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Ranchi did find a way back through Mandeep Singh, who finished a cleverly worked penalty corner variation in the third quarter, setting up a tense final period. But once again, the Lancers’ defensive discipline held firm. Van Doren and his fellow defenders absorbed pressure, blocked shooting lanes and ensured that any shots that did come through were from low-percentage positions.
For the skipper, that ability to close out tight games has been a defining feature of the campaign. “The competition in this league is extremely tough, and that’s reflected in how many close games we’ve had, including shootouts earlier in the season,” he said. “Overall, we’ve maintained a good structure and managed key moments well, but there’s still room to improve. Reaching the final is a big step, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.”
That grounded approach is something Hendrickx echoed as well. “Scoring goals is always nice, but for us the most important thing is that the team wins,” he said. “We know that if we earn penalty corners, we have a good chance to score, but it doesn’t matter who finishes them. Playing at home in Bhubaneswar has been special. The support we’ve received since coming here has been massive and it gives us extra energy.”
With the final now looming on January 26, the Lancers will turn their attention to fine-tuning the details that have brought them this far. Their blend of defensive organisation, set-piece efficiency and calm under pressure has made them the most consistent side in the tournament. But as both Van Doren and Hendrickx were quick to point out, the last step is always the hardest.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
For now, though, Vedanta Kalinga Lancers can reflect on another composed, professional performance that underlined why they have been the benchmark of the league. One more match remains between them and the ultimate prize, and if their discipline holds, they will be confident of completing the job.
