Sandesh Jhingan the “Indian Wall” turns 27

Sandesh Jhingan India’s leading center back turns 27 today. He was contracted to Kerala Blasters and has the most appearances for the club. Jhingan is known for his rock solid defending and amazing positioning as defender. Having played in both ISL and I- League Jhingan has bags of experience under his belt. Making him one of the most wanted Center back of the current era in Indian football. In 2014 Sandesh was awarded Emerging Player of the Year.

Although Sandesh Jhingan has become a household name at Kerala. The defender looks to part way this summer for a new challenge. Judging by his defending talents the Center back should not have any problem in finding a club. Often known for his commitment and composure during tough games.

The Rise

Sandesh started his footballing journey at St Stephen’s football academy in Punjab. Former Indian coach Koevermans gave him his cap first for team India. The Enigmatic defender gave some stellar performances in his first ISL campaign. Which earned him the award of “Emerging player of the year” of the tournament. However Jhingan has been unable to win the ISL trophy with Kerala Blasters on two separate occasions.

Hard times

However life hasn’t always been fun and rainbows for the defender. In an interview the Sandesh said “It was during the starting phase of my career. Back then I was looking for clubs and I appeared for quite a few trials at a number of clubs in Kolkata. Even in the second and third divisions. But I was rejected by all.”.

Sandesh made his I-League debut in 2012 for United Sikkim against Salgaocar FC. United Sikkim was relegated in his first season. The defender caught the attention of many scouts and even had interest from Chinese League one clubs.

The Setback

Though Sandesh’s previous season started on a devastating note. As the defender suffered ligament injury in India’s friendly game against NorthEast United. Ruled Sandesh out of the 2019-2020 campaign due to an injury. The road to recovery is hard one but our Indian degender is doing very well. With immense patience and discipline the defender is on the verge of full recovery.  

On 21^st may the Sandesh parted ways with Kerala blaster. To honor his contribution for the club has retired his number 21 jersey. Sandesh last played for India in world cup qualifier against Qatar the match ended nil-nil. The knee injury later on sidelined him for the next six months.

The defender looks to make strong comeback from his knee injury. The Indian defender is eagerly waiting for football to resume. Known as the rock of Indian defence, we wish Sandesh Jhingan a very happy birthday. The defender who leads India from the back is confident to take Indian Football to new heights.

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