“Since I made my national team debut with this new batch, we had the AFC Asian Cup, the great run where we didn’t lose in 14-15 matches, we saw the U-17 boys doing great and women’s football in India is doing fantastic. Overall, any neutral can see that the growth is there in Indian football. It’s a steady process. We are on the right track and improving every day.”

“The growth in the national teams is there to see at all levels — by ranking and the way we are playing at all levels — from the men’s team, women’s national team, our junior boys and girls teams. We are improving really well and I am really happy about that.”

Talking about his move to Croatia, the Arjuna Awardee from last year mentioned the importance of having a personal desire to move abroad and explained how he hopes it will improve him as a player as well as a person.

“My playing in Europe helps a lot but it also comes down to having a personal desire. Everyone must do what they feel is best for their careers and if you have the desire to be in Europe as a player or any other desire, then you should follow it. You dream big and work more and harder than the dream itself.

“I am happy I am here. It’s a tough and strong league and playing here will challenge me to my limits and help me improve as a player and as a human being. I just want to perform at my optimum level and focus on the process. It will be challenging but I trust myself and my work ethic.”

“With that, I will come back to the national team and fight for my place there. If I feel I have improved more, then I will play better for the national team too and the team will also look good because one of their players is playing better.”

Sandesh, who spent six seasons in the Hero Indian Super League with Kerala Blasters — winning the Emerging Player of the League award in 2014 as well as the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year award. In 2020, he moved to ATK Mohun Bagan and enjoyed a splendid season for club and country, and was named the AIFF Player of the Year as well in July.

He spoke about the impact of the Hero ISL on his career, terming it as a “blessing”.

“The Hero ISL has been a blessing for me and I am sure that many other players will agree with me. As kids, we watched other European leagues and we used to think that the players we see on television are from a different planet. Through the Hero ISL, we got a lot of exposure and it opened my view.”

“We got to play against a huge list of top players and when we faced them, we realized that they are not untouchable if you work hard and remained disciplined. I am happy that the league started at the right age for me and I will always be thankful to the Hero ISL. It taught me to be a better player,” he explained.

With his move to Croatia now complete and him having started training with his new club, Sandesh talked about his experience in the country so far and expressed his desire to keep pushing his limits and achieve his potential.

“The experience here (in Croatia) has been really good so far. I had spoken to the head coach before as well when I was in India and had an idea about how the staff is and the football the team plays. It’s a beautiful city with the sea nearby. The team’s staff is very nice to me, the training pitches are great and the players are very nice to me. They want me to adapt and do well. I really like how they have invested in youth and have a number of homegrown players in the squad. It’s fantastic and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead,” he averred.

“I have always been someone who likes to be outside his comfort zone. I strongly believe the moment you start feeling comfortable, you need to step up. As a small boy, I had this thing in my mind and always believed that sky’s the limit for me. I am just a kid from Chandigarh who dreams big and runs after it. I believe in working hard for it, having the faith and belief, being disciplined and making sacrifices to achieve my full potential as a human and footballer.”

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

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After his season-long ACL injury, Sandesh has come a long way and proved himself that he is one of the best defenders in Asia after he recently won the Indian Footballer of the year award. He also won the Emerging Player of the year award back in 2014.

The 28-year-old will leave ATK Mohun Bagan after a year’s stint, where he has been fantastic the entire season, and that’s what likely caught European eyes on him! He had Europe in his sights for the past two years, but his ACL injury and the pandemic restricted his move.

This year Jhingan is finally at the doorstep to make a move to Croatian club HNK Sibenik, in spite of interests from clubs in Greece and Austria. HNK Sibenik competes in the top division in Croatia, where they finished 6^th last season and won the league in 2019. “We have an agreement in place with HNK Sibenik. All efforts are now on to get him to Croatia as soon as possible,” Sandesh’s representative, Anuj Kichlu from the Madrid-headquartered Best Of You Sports, told TOI on Monday.”

“There were several offers for Sandesh last year, but with Covid-19 restrictions, it became very difficult, said Kichlu. “This year, there were four different clubs who reached out to us. After considering the different types of leagues and offers, HNK Sibenik looked like the best fit for Sandesh. Croatia, after all, are World Cup finalists, and the league has grown a lot in the last few years.”

The Indian wall still has a five-year contract with ATKMB, but that contract has clauses that allow him to leave if a foreign club comes calling. His move to Europe can be great news for India, as then the world can see that Indian players are capable of competing at the highest level!

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Your last World Cup Qualifier was against Qatar, and the match against Qatar marks your return to the World Cup Qualifiers.

It’s a relief. I am happy that I have been able to get back after the injury lay-off. A man’s greatest honour is to represent his country. In that sense, I am lucky, grateful and thankful whenever I get a call-up. We can never take things for granted. The team needs to stay focussed on the job at hand. It hasn’t gone the way it should have.

What do you mean by that?

I will be the first one to raise my hand and say that we haven’t been able to play to our potential. It’s not gone the way we all would have wanted it to go – especially after such a promising start. We need to be brave enough, raise our hand and take the blame for it. I reiterate, we haven’t played to our potential.

The Friendlies in Dubai in March were a mixed bag. Your reactions.

It’s a human tendency to remember and talk about the negatives. In Dubai, we drew Oman who are such a good side — that too with 10 debutants. People don’t talk about how we came back from behind to win, and had it been a little longer, we could have won. I am a person who has believed in the process and the roadmap which Igor has laid down for us. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But right through my career I have learnt that you learn more from your failures. You just need to stay positive and keep going. From a player’s perspective, the mixed bag of results will stay with us all throughout our lives. That’s how life is. But you can’t sit back and mourn.

How has the preparation panned out so far?

Anyone who understands football will know the importance of a proper preparatory camp, and how important a friendly match is in preparation for a major tournament. Owing to the pandemic we lost out on friendly matches in Dubai which isn’t ideal. But there are always two ways of looking at things. The easier option could have been to throw in the towel but the great squad which we have – we are there to fight.

No one remembers and will ever make an effort to get into the depth of the preparatory process. Everyone just remembers the result – it is as simple as that. If you are a part of the system you will try your best to get the best for the team. But there are also certain aspects which are not in your hands. So every human being is a bit helpless in that regard.

Head Coach Igor Stimac has always mentioned about missing his ‘Ironman’ after the historic result against Qatar.

As an individual it means a lot when you get so much confidence from your coach. Every time I have tried to improve as a player, he has always helped me. It motivates me to work hard. But it also hurts me that I couldn’t play a part. Not that I could have changed the score line as the others who replaced me are equally capable. But what lies ahead is more significant.

Also, what most people aren’t aware of is that Stimac is a very kind human being. I will always remember his gesture when he flew in from Delhi to Mumbai, drove almost two hours to see me at the hospital post my surgery to wish me fast recovery.

What does the bio bubble mean to you?

It’s tough. After all, we are also human beings and not robots. Our families are back in India. But the call of the nation supersedes everything. As professional players when we signed contracts, we were aware of the obstacles that could have come our way. Obviously, none could ever predict the pandemic. I am fortunate enough to have a very good life. So for me — bubble or no bubble — I get to do what I love the most – go out and play football. And I do it with a smile on my face.

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

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The loss meant that India finished at the bottom of Group A!

Jamal Rashed’s 91st-minute spot-kick broke Indian hearts as Bahrain ran out winners despite a solid defensive performance from Stephen Constantine’s team.

In what was a nervy start India replaced the injured Anas Edathodika with Salam Ranjan Singh in the early minutes of the game. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was on his toes as he brilliantly kept out Komail’s shot from outside the box in the 5th minute.

As Bahrain frustrated India by holding on to possession in the opening minutes the Blue Tigers on the other hand missed a good chance to score when Ashique Kuruniyan’s header off Pritam Kotal’s cross was blocked by the opposition defence. Also, Halicharan Nazary’s effort in the 22nd minute hit the side-netting.

Come the half-hour mark and India were passing exquisitely in the Bahrain box! Pronay Halder’s pass found Halicharan on the wings with the latter dribbling and laying off for Sunil Chhetri. Only a last-ditch tackle from a Bahrain defender stopped Chhetri before he could shoot on goal from less than 10 yards out!

Though Bahrain controlled possession the Blue Tigers still defended well with Sandesh Jhingan marshaling the back-line. Also India’s midfielders, who looked compact throughout, rushed to defend at times, thus restricting Bahrain to long-ranged shots.

Tight defending meant that Bahrain could not create problems for India despite raiding the box at times. Skipper Pronay Halder made a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying minutes of the first half to keep Bahrain at bay.

Coach Constantine added more spark in attack as he brought in Jeje Lalpekhlua for Ashique Kuruniyan at the half-way mark. But then it was defence (and not attack) where India did well as Halder and Jhingan frustrated Bahrain.

The duo gave India’s strikers the necessary cover and space to execute attacks. Jhingan also made a crucial sliding tackle in the 60th minute to deny Bahrain a clear goal after a cross from the right flank had gone unchecked.

Udanta Singh also got into the thick of defensive action later and made a sensational tackle in the Indian box to rob Bahrain of possession. Though Singh had earlier been hauled down near the Bahrain box still the resulting free-kick was sent over the bar by Chhetri.

Bahrain had an indirect free-kick inside the box in the 73rd minute (Sandhu had collected a back pass) but then India’s defenders kept the ball out by flinging bodies in the way.

Sandhu also pulled off a world-class save in the 83rd minute to deny Bahrain a goal from a close-range header. The rebound was excellently blocked off by Kotal!

But then it all went to naught as Pronay Halder brought down Hamad Al Shamsan inside the box during the dying minutes of the game .

And as Jamal Rashed converted from the spot…India’s dreams had gone to pieces!

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika (4’ – Salam Ranjan Singh), Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh, Pronay Halder (C), Rowllin Borges, Halicharan Narzary (79’ – Anirudh Thapa), Ashique Kuruniyan (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Sunil Chhetri.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Constantine resigns after India gets knocked out of AFC Asian Cup

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Aware of progress of Indian football: Dato Windsor John

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Circa 2019 and as India get set to face Bahrain (on the same day!) they stand on the cusp of qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup!

If they do achieve that feat then Sunil Chhetri’s team would etch their name in India’s football folklore.

Chhetri — the second-highest goal scorer in international football among active players — had scored India’s second goal against Bahrain in 2011.

The India skipper — now a veteran — would be itching to score against Bahrain on Monday.

“It doesn’t matter who scores as long as we score. It’s a team game. The awareness and interest in football has certainly grown in India. Everyone who is associated with football is responsible for it. But I also want to say that it’s a very small jump which we have taken. We have to keep our heads down and keep working hard,” said Chhetri.

“It was an extremely difficult group back then. We had Australia, South Korea and Bahrain in the group. The only positive, apart from the fact that we played our hearts out was that we scored three goals,” he recalled about the 2011 campaign.

“The one distinct thing I remember was scoring. Renedy’s great dribbling first, and then his fierce shot from 35 yards hit the bar, and dropped. Later on, in the replays, we saw that the ball had gone in. But it wasn’t given. Off Renedy’s rebound, Abhishek Yadav hit the bar too, and as it fell to me, I headed it in,” reminisced Chettri.

“We haven’t achieved anything substantial yet. What I want to achieve is to reach the top 10 in Asia and rub shoulders with the best. For that, we have to improve a lot. The first step starts with a result against Bahrain tomorrow,” he added.

Keeping aside the second-place finish in 1964, this is arguably a memorable campaign for India.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Chettri are the only two members of this team to have played in 2011.

Gurpreet was on the bench in 2011 thanks to the presence of a certain Subrata ‘Spiderman’ Paul in goal.

“I remember everyone was very calm the before the Bahrain game. We believed that we could get a result from that game. We even managed to score a couple of goals. But unfortunately, we ended up losing,” said Sandhu.

“Eight years down the line we are back in the Asian Cup playing Bahrain again. Things are different, the teams are different. But we are in a better situation,” he added.

As Chhetri and India gave it their all against the best in Asia the youngsters of now had then dreamed of greater things to come.

“I remember I had tears in my eyes that day, and made one of those crazy promises that you make as a kid – I’m going to play for India one day and bring glory. But here I am today, ready to play against them tomorrow,” said central defender Sandesh Jhingan.

“It’s hard to believe, sometimes. Even if God came down and told me to write down my future eight years back, I would not have believed that I would be here, and facing Bahrain on this very day,” he added.

Defender Subhasish Bose, who broke into the India squad six months back, was a youngster when Chettri and co. played in 2011. He had yearned to avenge India’s loss on that fateful night.

“I was watching the Bahrain game with my dad. We were both disappointed on losing the match, but now we have the chance to get our revenge for that defeat,” said Bose.

India play Bahrain in Group A of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The game will kick-off at 9.30 pm (IST) and will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, 3 and live-streamed on Jio TV.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Tricky but still very possible! A look at India’s Knockout round chances

Also Read: We need to win against Bahrain: Constantine

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The Blue Tigers next play Bahrain in their last match on January 14. India and Thailand have three points from two games while UAE top the group with four points.

India hit the post twice in the second-half and also muffed two good chances in the first. Despite an early scare the hosts scored through Alhamsi and Ali Mabkhout and finished off the game. India, who went all out in the first-half, could have won if it weren’t for the missed chances.

The Blue Tigers surprised UAE with their intensity in attack as plenty of chances came their way. Sandesh Jhingan’s free header went wide in the eight minute — the first real chance for India. UAE custodian Khalid Bilal later pulled off a world-class save to deny Ashique Kuruniyan from close range.

As skipper Sunil Chhetri’s header off Anirudh Thapa’s cross went straight to Bilal in the 23rd minute — it was the end of India’s attacking jaunt. The home team made India pay for their misses as Alhamsi took advantage of a miscommunication in the visitor’s defence and chipped home from a tight angle in the 40th minute.

India had another good scoring chance (after UAE’s defenders fluffed a routine clearance) but Chhetri could only shoot inches wide from a tight angle. The first-half finished 1-0 in UAE’s favor.

Come the second-half and substitute Jeje Lalpekhlua’s long-ranged chip in the 53rd minute was another missed effort for India. Udanta Singh also went close when his shot rattled the bar in the 55th minute. UAE also had their moments as skipper Alhammadi’s shot rattled the post in the 73rd minute. They did have the last laugh when Ali Mabkhout found the back of the net in the 88th minute.

Late in injury time, Jhingan’s header bounced back off the post as India did try to come back but it was in vain.

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh (79’ – Jackichand Singh), Pronay Halder, Anirudh Thapa (70’ – Rowllin Borges), Halicharan Narzary (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Ashique Kuruniyan, Sunil Chhetri (C).

– AIFF MEDIA

Also Read:

AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

AFC ASIAN CUP: India still have work to do: Constantine

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EXCERPTS:

How is the mood of the team ahead of the tournament?

SJ: We are really pumped up! The priority (during qualification) was to stay fit and be in good form before the 23 names were announced in the final squad.

Did you watch the 2011 AFC Asian Cup?

SJ: Of course I did! I was a kid then! I remember watching the game against Bahrain and I cried after we lost. We had played very well and deserved a better result. India’s performance in that tournament fueled my desire to be part of the current team and also help them qualify for the 2019 edition.

Is qualification for the second round a realistic dream?

SJ: It will be tough, but not impossible. We have to stick to our plan and perform as the coach wants us to. We have to show unity and stand out. If we do that, we can grind out the results we need.

India’s most challenging opponent in the group stages… 

SJ: UAE will be tough to play against as they are the hosts. But I believe that if any team becomes over-confident then they can be beaten. If you are prepared and focused (as a team) then you can make it tough for the opposition.

On Sandesh Jhingan the poet…

SJ: Poetry calms me down and helps me cope with the hectic life of football. Also, I try to avoid writing during games as it takes a lot of emotional effort. I avoid reading or writing poetry during tournaments.

Your chemistry with coach Stephen Constantine…

SJ: I must thank the coach for handing me my debut in the senior India team. Of course it happened only after I spent two years on the bench! Being called up was a huge moment for me! I have a good bonding with the coach and I remember our first meeting in Guwahati in 2015. The coach helped me improve on my weaknesses and I also improved as a player due to his guidance. I know what he wants from me…both as a player and as a person.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers do their bit for these special champions!

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Sandesh Jhinghan

The 24-year old defender has made a total of 41 appearances for Kerala Blasters in the heart of the defense, making an impressive 59 interceptions in the process.

Also read: Key Stories: Kerala Blasters vs ATK

Kerala Blasters will be hosting defending champions ATK in the opening game of Indian Super League (ISL) tomorrow at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.

Yellow is our identity, the fans are our voice and @SandeshJhingan is our leader.
Meet the new captain of the heroes.#KeralaBlasters #IniKaliMaarum #NammudeSwantham #KBFC #HeroesWearYellow #YellowTakesOver pic.twitter.com/3wkSG8lZot

— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) November 16, 2017

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Kerala Blasters’ squad has been revamped this time, and the team looks more lethal with the likes of former Manchester United stars like Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown. Unlike the other editions, Kerala Blasters has the most star-studded side in the ISL 4, and this obvious fact will force Kerala Blasters to perform a dazzling display this time.

Let’s take a look at the 5 players to watch out for in their squad.

#5 Iain Hume

Indian Super League’s all time top-scorer, the Canadian talisman Iain Hume’s return back to Kochi does mean that the Kerala Blasters are all set to edge past their previous year performance. Once a star of the Yellow Army, ‘Humettan’ of Kerala Blasters has had an incredible jaunt with this league so far, and will look to add more to it this time.

Known for his pace and finishing ability, Iain Hume will adjoin Dimitar Berbatov and CK Vineeth to provide the side with the fatal attacks.

#4 CK Vineeth

CK Vineeth was the hero of Kerala Blasters in the third edition. His pace, creativity and final touches were second to none in the ISL. It was his presence, which helped the floundering Kerala Blasters rebound back to the tournament and finish as the runners-up.

Kerala Blasters will again rely on CK Vineeth’s talent, and his co-ordination with Berbatov will be one to watch out for.

#3 Wes Brown

The former Manchester United defensive stalwart, Wes Brown will tower the defense of Kerala Blasters this time. A player, who had his time at the Theatre of Dreams, Wes comes with the experience he had in the biggest stages of World Football. Arguably one of the best signings of the league, Wes will look to keep the defense firm and to keep the attackers at its bay. Known for his physique, and creativity, Wes could captain the Rene Meulensteen side.

Also Read: People wanted me to study and get Government Jobs: Nishu Kumar

#2 Dimitar Berbatov

The man with the golden touch, Dimitar Berbatov is the star of this league, and his arrival to the Yellow Army has already bolstered its group of attackers. A player who can inspire the entire Indian football fraternity, Dimitar Berbatov will look to take ISL by the storm, and is all set to become the next legend of Indian Super League.

#1 Sandesh Jhingan.

A warrior who doesn’t need any introduction, the growth of ISL and Sandesh Jhingan are in the same direction. Came into this cash rich league as a thriving Indian defender, Sandesh Jhingan has grown from just an Indian Footballer to one of the established face of it.

Known for his aggressiveness at the back, Sandesh Jhingan is an attacking defender who can score goals with aplomb. Sandesh Jhingan could be the perfect partner for Wes Brown, and what this attacking defensive duo can do is to keep the defense robust, and to make the attackers vigorous.

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Picture a typical 23-year-old urban guy. Parties, discotheques, loud music, fast cars, you get the drift. But not Sandesh Jhingan!

His on-field exploits attract a fair share of the limelight, but, off he likes to stay away from the hustle and bustle. A soft spoken guy is actually a man of thousands of words.

“I love to write; anything — be it short stories or perhaps a poem. I began writing when I was 13 or 14 and that love has continued.”

You give him a pen and something to write on, that’s all he needs to let his creativity juices flow. “A pen and a piece of paper are my best friends. I find sukoon in them,” citing the true reason for his passion, peace and solace of the mind.

But doesn’t he indulge in anything which is the conventional norm among guys of his age? “I’m not a party person. Loud music, dizzying lights does not attract me. I prefer to be in a calm place. I like to sit on the beach and watch the waves. Maybe good music and perhaps a good company to go with it,” dismissing any notion that people may have otherwise.

“I wish I could speak all languages. That way I could understand everyone, as well as read and write in every language,” the tough defender reveals his secret desire.

“My outlook towards life was different from what it is today. A knee and an ankle injury within a span of a year changed everything. I’m actually glad that it happened as it made me what I am,” he looked back in retrospective. You almost expect a tone of self-pity, but no, Sandesh is totally bereft of any such emotion. To him it was a part of the growing up process.

“Paolo Coelho is my favourite. His writing is quite inspirational,” Sandesh shifts to literature. “I like all his books but The Alchemist is my favourite,” he states his love for a book which has been translated to 83 languages & has sold more than 150 million copies worldwide.

In the novel, an old king tells the lead character of Santiago that, ‘when you really want something to happen, the whole universe will conspire so that your wish comes true.’ Jhingan believes in this philosophy. All the hard work that he has put in have helped him become the player that he is but he has his sights to become better, both as a player and a man.

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