Ranchi Rays eye title re-run in HIL-4

Defending champions Ranchi Rays will hope to put up a repeat performance in the fourth edition of the Hockey India League, to be held across six venues from January 18 to February 21.

The Rays play their first match against last year runners up Jaypee Punjab Warriors in a re-match of last year’s final.

The Ranchi team have tried to maintain the combinations that worked for them in the last edition. The team, who play a defensive game, will once again bank on their back line to put up a winning show.

Their major retentions have been the defensive pairing of Birendra Lakra and Kothajit Singh. Captain Ashley Jackson, who has been retained for a sum of $95,000, is another strong player.

Jackson led from the front, scoring 12 goals to help the Rays clinch the 2015 HIL title. Out of the 12 goals, 11 came from penalty corners, making him the top-scorer and also the player of the tournament. .

The team also have Indian talents in the form of midfielder Manpreet Singh and junior team star Vikramjit. Speaking about the team, coach Clarence Lobo said: “We have a combination that worked the last time. We will try and play a tight game.”