ATK Mohun Bagan’s Sandesh Jhingan: Missed football, happy to be back after a long wait

Sandesh Jhingan is elated to be back on the football pitch after an 11-month hiatus, which also includes recovery from a calf injury. The centre back was introduced in the second half by head coach Juan Ferrando in their 3-1 win over NorthEast United FC last weekend.

The 28-year-old had a bright start to his career in the league and snapped up the Emerging Player of the Season award in the inaugural Hero ISL campaign. He has continued on an upward trajectory ever since and is regarded by many as India’s best central defender.

But this rise was halted by some setbacks, which include an ACL injury in the 2018/19 season and a recent calf injury.

“I missed football, it was 11 months since I played a league game, so it was a long wait. Many ups and downs during that period. But I kept going thanks to my family, and finally back on the pitch so really happy.”, said the Jhingan, who came on as a substitute in the second half against the HIghlanders.

With ATK Mohun Bagan on a 10-match unbeaten run and just three points behind league leaders Hyderabad FC, Sandesh Jhingan’s return could be the boost they need to topple HFC. The defender has not shied away from the expectations the fans have for him and the rest of the team.

He said, “When you are a club like ATK Mohun Bagan, each match has to be three points, anything less than that is not good enough. The targets we have for the season are to win the shield and cup and the momentum (referencing the unbeaten streak) helps, as it becomes a habit. We will keep pushing and do our job”.

The Mariners have six matches left in their Hero ISL league stage and will hope that their star defender builds on his performance against NEUFC and propels the three-time champions to more glory!