FIle picture of sports lovers watching a hockey match at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 12: Kalinga Lancers is all set to make a comeback on its home turf with the team scheduled to take on Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Ranchi Rhinos on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

The home team had last played in Bhubaneswar on February 2 against Delhi Wave Riders and had lost the match 4-3.

So far, the journey of the home team, which made its debut this season, has not been good with only one win and one draw in their last seven encounters.

Lancers had managed to win only one home match against Mumbai Magicians in the three games it played in Bhubaneswar. However, the spirited performance against Punjab Warriors yesterday, where they managed to pull off a draw despite being down to nine players in the last minutes have brought new hopes for the team.

Placed at the fifth position on the point table with a score of 10, the remaining three matches would be crucial for the team to make it in to the semis. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Wizards with 21 points in their seven matches are placed in the fourth position and are considered as the favourite for tomorrow’s clash.

Wizards’ skipper V.R. Raghunath, a penalty corner specialist, is in good form and under his captaincy the team has performed well.

However, the home team’s inability to convert penalty corners has been a major problem. Lancers’ forward Mandeep Antil, who was injured in the last match against Punjab Warriors, is likely to miss tomorrow’s match giving the visiting team an edge.

Officials of Odisha Sports Development and Promotion Company, the promoter of the home team, are optimistic about the remaining matches.

“The team is gradually finding its rhythm and it is capable of beating its rivals. Huge crowd support, along with favourable home conditions, will make us victorious in the next two matches to be played in Bhubaneswar,” said an official of the company.

In another development, the price of tickets for the West Stand has been dropped from Rs 300 to Rs 200 for the remaining two home matches.

Those who have already bought the tickets for Rs 300 can collect a refund of Rs 100 by showing the valid ticket at the Kalinga Stadium Box Office before the start of tomorrow’s match.