Sandesh Jhingan, India’s premier centre-back, is currently recuperating after surgery on the fractured cheekbone sustained while playing in the CAF Cup in Tajikistan. In this exclusive interview with Boria Majumdar, RevSportz editor-in-chief, he talks of why he kept on playing, what the captain’s armband means to him, and why qualification for the Asian Cup is so important.
Boria: How are you post-surgery?
Sandesh: Thanks for having me. The surgery went really well and analysing every day as it comes. If God is willing, then I will be back soon.
Boria: What prompted you to continue and how is it possible?
Sandesh: I do not understand the confusion around this. What else am I supposed to do? Just walk out of it? Because that would cause more regret. The position I play, it is very common to get injured like that, so if I still able to walk and give my best, then why not? I remember my knee injury during the Asia Cup, where I continued playing for five more minutes and came back from the dressing room with a wobbly knee – all because I felt I can still go on. I only got a replacement for the team when I wasn’t able to walk anymore. The player has to play as long as they can, it’s their duty.
Boria: Do these risks not make you feel afraid when you have a family back home?
Sandesh: Your brain subconsciously starts to weigh the different situations, and knowing you can play, walking out cannot be an option. If I walk out knowing I could play, then I won’t be able to make eye contact with my daughter.
Boria: Can you tell us a bit about the team atmosphere, the re-start and thoughts on qualifying for the playoffs?
Sandesh: I congratulated the boys on the group chat. It was one of our main aims that we just don’t go for the purpose of participation, although teams looked at it that way. Good that we proved them wrong, to a certain extent, and we gave a pretty good account of ourselves. I am sure we will do the same against Oman as well. It was a massive boost for us to win the first game knowing that we haven’t played to our potential. First game under coach Khalid (Jamil), a brilliant start, but the main target of this small step is to finally qualify for the Asian Cup.
In people’s opinions on football, you can be a hero one day and not good enough the next, so what matters is that it is not able to divert your focus, attention, and discipline. Winning against Tajikistan and losing against Iran was such a situation. These four games would be a preparation stage for us to be in best shape, and aim for qualification towards our third consecutive Asian Cup.
Boria: With things not having gone very good with the Asian Cup so far, how confident are you with new coach Khalid Jamil?
Sandesh: Always confident, regardless of the situation. No matter how hard it is, if you give up, then there is no hope. Individually and then collectively, if you decide that you want to achieve it, then there is hope, no matter how tough it is. Be confident, work hard and if God’s will is there, it will happen. Or else, try again next time.
Boria: What does captaining India mean to you?
Sandesh: It’s the biggest honour for any athlete. I got my first armband in 2017 against China but with the armband, you just have to do those extra formalities. Other than that, I have the same energy, armband or not. Coach gave me the armband because he must have seen something in me, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I will have to do something differently. I am always the same Sandesh Jhingan.
Boria: A lot of young players are facing uncertainties due to the issue involving the Supreme Court case and everything else. Now that everything is on the verge of getting solved, your thoughts?
Sandesh: Not just for the young players, but for the whole ecosystem, it was a nervy situation which none of us have been a part of before. But I trusted my people who are behind it, trusted them to solve it. In those moments of confusion, I just tried to build on my game and keep faith. God will do what’s best for us. I honestly had nothing much to do to change it, so I focused on myself. Yes, I was definitely worried for the staff associated, but felt happy that things are kind of getting solved. ISL has built such a beautiful ecosystem, with fans and everyone, so I am just happy that it’s all coming back together.
Boria: Your thoughts on the AFC for FC Goa?
Sandesh: When I joined three years back, most of us were of the same batch and the initial conversation was to do good in ISL. Being a good club with a history, target was to get back where it belongs. But the main subject was that the club wants to do good in the AFC and leave a mark. We did that and qualified in the next season. Being in a Champions League now gives us immense pride and the responsibility of representing India at the continental level. Not just for Mohun Bagan, not just for us, for everyone in this group – we all want to go on to the knockout rounds and as far as possible, knowing that it is going to be tough. If God is willing, we will achieve our targets.
Boria: What do you have to say about the AIFF and FC Goa’s support for you when you sustained that injury? Did they have your back?
Sandesh: It’s a shame that I had to put up a statement clarifying the AIFF’s and FC Goa’s support for me. The people in the national team, Gigy George et cetera, have known me for years and they know my body in and out. I am lucky enough to have been with the national team for a decade, and never have I seen clubs not taking my side, or that of any other player in times of necessity. And if anyone has to be blamed, it should be me because it was my decision to go on even after the concussion and its symptoms. It was my call. Apart from that, the national team and the club have always taken good care of us – at least me and the people I know. Of course, there will be incidents here and there, but overall, we are very well taken care of. In fact, I had my surgery within 48 hours and everything else was arranged.
Boria: Will be a realistic thought to expect you back on the pitch in October?
Sandesh: Future is uncertain, hence I don’t think about it much. Right now, my goal is to get the swelling down and start eating properly. Once that is done, I want to start training and if God wants, then I will be back soon. Hard work, good rest, patience are a few things I need to keep intact. If any one thing gets compromised, my comeback can be hampered. So I don’t want to raise expectations. Just want to keep doing and giving my best, and leave the rest leave to God’s will.
Boria: Thank you very much. You take care of yourself.
Also Read: “I will be back for India in October”: Sandesh Jhingan targets return in next international window