“When I saw the list, it was disappointing”, Sandesh Jhingan states he didn’t expect to be dropped from Indian squad ahead of friendlies

Kolkata : Sandesh Jhingan stated that he was disappointed and didn’t expect to be dropped from Khalid Jamil’s Indian squad for historic friendlies against Panama, World Champion Brazil and Uruguay at home.

After 77 appearances for the national team, many of them as captain, this exclusion is a temporary stop to his international career.

The Indian defender always remained committed for National team. He played with ligament tear in the knee against Syria at the AFC Asian Cup, took the field with a heavily-bandaged head against UAE, and had his eyebrows stitched against Australia. At the CAFA Nations Cup last year, Jhingan played 90 minutes against Iran, despite a cheekbone fracture.

“When I saw the list, of course, it was disappointing,” Jhingan told TOI over a recent phone call. “I was full of emotions; it was a human reaction (to the omission). Anyone who has seen me play for the national team knows how much I love representing my country.”

Jhingan, 33, didn’t expect to be dropped for the historic games. That’s understandable. After all, he had captained India at the Unity Cup in UK and the friendlies in Tajikistan, the national team’s last two assignments in June. With FC Goa at the AFC Champions League Two playoff, he was a natural choice to lead the team.

India coach Khalid Jamil, though, wanted to look beyond India’s most experienced footballer and decided it was time for a transformation.

Jhingan respects the decision and is now focused on making a comeback.

“In life, there are always ups and downs. I respect the coach’s decision. But as a player, I know what I have to do next: work harder to become a better footballer, a better version of myself. In life and my career, I have learned that the only way forward is through hard work. When the coach sits down to select the next team, I want to be in contention,” said Jhingan.

India’s friendlies are against World’s best opposition. There’s Brazil, the most popular team in the world; Uruguay have won the World Cup twice, while Panama have been at two of the last three World Cups.

India team rarely has got such opportunities to play against World giants. As all eyes are pinned on the national team, Jhingan will watch with some anticipation.

“It’s a great opportunity for us as a national team to provide inspiration and hope to the fans,” said Jhingan. “A good result here can create positivity and bring everyone together. The team has the potential. I will always remain a passionate supporter of the team.”