Ranchi Royals registered its first victory of the Men’s Hockey India League 2025–26 season in dramatic style, overpowering defending champions Bengal Tigers 4-1 in front of an electrified home crowd. Royals produced an astonishing late rally, scoring four goals in the final six minutes to turn the match on its head and claim all three points.
The contest began with Bengal Tigers asserting their authority early. Employing a high-press strategy, the visitors pinned Ranchi deep in its own half and earned a penalty corner in just the second minute, though they were unable to convert. Ranchi responded through early enterprise from Sam Lane, whose effort in the fifth minute resulted in a penalty corner that was well defended.
Both goalkeepers were called into action during an intense opening quarter. Ranchi custodian Suraj Karkera produced a crucial save in the ninth minute, keeping the score level as attacks flowed from both sides. Despite the pace and pressure, the first quarter ended goalless.
The breakthrough arrived in the second quarter. In the 25th minute, Bengal struck despite being reduced to ten men following a green card. Abhishek’s fierce ball into the circle was expertly deflected home by Ketan Kushwaha, the youngest player in the league. Ranchi pressed hard for an equaliser, with captain Tom Boon coming close just before halftime, but Tigers goalkeeper James Carr produced a fine save to maintain the 1-0 lead.
Bengal shifted into a defensive shell in the third quarter, deploying a five-man backline. Ranchi attempted to stretch the defence by playing wide, but Tigers remained disciplined. Several penalty corner opportunities went begging for the visitors, as Ranchi’s defence, marshalled by Manpreet and Yashdeep, stood firm.
The match exploded into life in the final quarter. In the 54th minute, Boon sparked the comeback by winning possession, combining quickly, and firing a reverse hit to level the scores. The equaliser transformed the atmosphere, and two minutes later, veteran Mandeep Singh struck to put Ranchi ahead.
With Tigers reeling, Lachlan Sharp made it 3-1 in the 58th minute, before Boon sealed the turnaround with his second goal in the dying moments. Lane was named Player of the Match for his tireless midfield display, as Ranchi Royals announced their arrival in the season in unforgettable fashion.
