Vedanta Kalinga Lancers recovered from an early deficit to register a 4–2 victory over Ranchi Royals in their opening fixture of the Hockey India League at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The contest began at a frenetic pace, with Ranchi Royals striking inside the opening minute. Tom Boon converted an early penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to put his side ahead. The Royals continued to control possession in the early exchanges, but the Lancers gradually settled into the contest and found their response through a set piece of their own. Alexander Hendrickx stepped up in the seventh minute to level the scores with a well-directed drag-flick. Ranchi Royals reclaimed the lead soon after, as Mandeep Singh finished off a sharp move inside the circle to make it 2–1. However, Kalinga Lancers responded strongly in the second quarter, beginning a decisive spell that turned the match in their favour. Craig Marias’ clever work in the circle created space for Gursahibjit Singh, who scored with a diving finish in the 16th minute …