In a pulsating encounter at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on January 13, 2026, Jugraj Singh reminded the hockey world why he was the top scorer of the previous Hockey India League season. The Indian forward netted three goals to power the Shrachi Bengal Tigers to a vital 5-3 triumph over the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons, a result that dramatically altered the league standings.

The defending champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Jugraj Singh opening his account early after the Tamil Nadu Dragons conceded a penalty stroke in the 11th minute. The striker converted coolly past the legendary Irish goalkeeper David Harte, setting the tone for what would become a memorable evening for the home faithful.

Jugraj was relentless in the third quarter, adding two more goals in the 43rd and 45th minutes to complete his hat-trick and give the Tigers a commanding 4-1 advantage. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement off the ball proved too much for the Dragons' defense to handle, making him only the second player this season to achieve a hat-trick, following Kane Russell of HIL GC who has remarkably achieved the feat three times.

Sukhjeet had earlier extended the Tigers' lead in the 33rd minute, while Adrohit Ekka had provided a brief glimmer of hope for the Dragons in the 36th minute. However, it was Jugraj's devastating third-quarter blitz that effectively sealed the contest.

The final quarter saw the Dragons mount a spirited comeback through Thomas Sorsby in the 48th minute and Blake Govers in the 51st, reducing the deficit to 4-3 and injecting late drama into proceedings. Australian international Govers, known for his exceptional drag-flicking ability, had the stadium on edge as the Dragons sought an improbable equalizer.

The Tigers, however, held their nerve. A penalty corner in the 55th minute proved decisive when Abhishek positioned himself expertly to deflect Tom Grambusch's drag-flick into the net, restoring the two-goal cushion and securing all three points for the home side.

This victory carries enormous significance for the Bengal Tigers, who entered the match languishing in seventh position in the pool table. The comprehensive win propelled them up to fourth place, keeping their playoff aspirations firmly alive with crucial matches still to come in the tournament.

The result comes as the Hockey India League continues to capture the imagination of fans worldwide. The 2025-26 season has already achieved a historic milestone, crossing one billion social media views across Facebook, Instagram, and X within just over two weeks of action. Television viewership has also surged, with broadcasts recording a remarkable 37 percent increase compared to the same stage last season.

For Jugraj Singh, the hat-trick represents a statement of intent. After leading the scoring charts in the previous edition, the Indian international has once again demonstrated his ability to deliver when it matters most. His combination of pace, finishing, and positional awareness makes him one of the most feared strikers in world hockey.

As the men's competition continues through January 26, 2026, with matches scheduled across Chennai, Ranchi, and Bhubaneswar, the Shrachi Bengal Tigers will be hoping Jugraj Singh can maintain this scintillating form as they chase another league title.