New Delhi: A high-voltage do-or-die encounter awaits hockey fans as Hyderabad Hurricanes take on HIL Governing Council (HIL GC) in the Eliminator of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2025–26 at Bhubaneswar on Saturday. With a place in the medal race at stake, the loser will be knocked out of the tournament, while the winner will stay alive in the hunt for the title.
The team emerging victorious from this Eliminator will face the loser of Qualifier 1—between Vedanta Kalinga Lancers and Ranchi Royals—in Qualifier 2 for a spot in the final. In the league stage, Hyderabad Hurricanes had edged past HIL GC 3–2 in a tightly contested match, adding extra spice to the knockout clash.
Hyderabad Hurricanes finished third in the league standings with 11 points and a +6 goal difference, while HIL GC placed fourth with 11 points and a +3 goal difference. As the stakes rise, both teams will need to combine aggression with composure to survive the Eliminator.
For Hyderabad Hurricanes, stopping HIL GC’s prolific drag-flicker Kane Russell, who has been lethal on penalty corners, and striker Lalit Upadhyay will be the biggest challenge. On the other hand, HIL GC must find ways to contain Hurricanes’ penalty-corner specialist Amandeep Lakra and skipper Sumit, who not only orchestrates attacking moves but also poses a constant goal-scoring threat.
Hyderabad Hurricanes have built their campaign on solid defence and set-piece efficiency. They won three matches in regulation time, lost two, and were edged out in two shootouts. With 17 goals scored and only 11 conceded, they boast one of the strongest defensive records in the league. Lakra has been instrumental in converting penalty corners, making Hurricanes the third-highest scoring team from set pieces this season.
“We have worked very hard to reach this stage,” said Hurricanes captain Sumit. “Against HIL GC, we will need to execute our plans with patience under pressure. Scoring from penalty corners and maintaining a strong defensive structure are our strengths. If we stick to our structure, we can make it to Qualifier 2.”
HIL GC, led by India’s aggressive centre-half Hardik Singh, rely heavily on their fast-paced forward line and penalty-corner prowess. They scored 21 goals in the league phase—the second-highest tally—largely due to Kane Russell’s 13 penalty-corner goals. HIL GC won three matches in regulation time and lost two in shootouts, underlining their attacking intent.
“We played positive hockey in the league stage and will take the same mindset into the Eliminator,” said Hardik Singh. “Knockout matches demand patience and smart decision-making at the right moments. Our focus will be on playing fearless hockey and giving everything for the team.”
With contrasting strengths and everything on the line, the Eliminator promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the season.
