ISL 2017/18: Iain Hume posts a tribute for Sandesh Jhingan on social media

What's the story?

Iain Hume has rightfully dominated the headlines since last night after the Canadian striker scored a sensational treble of goals to earn his side a much needed 3-1 win over Delhi Dynamos. Plaudits are flowing in for Hume from all corners with Kerala Blasters' co-owner Sachin Tendulkar also congratulating him on his hat-trick in the capital.

Amidst all the applause of his match-winning antics, Hume posted a heartwarming message on social media congratulating his teammate Sandesh Jhingan for completing 50 appearances in the Indian Super League. Hume posted a picture of the duo on Instagram where the two Kerala superstars are seen hugging.

In case you didn't know...

Jhingan has been a Blasters player since the inaugural season with Hume playing alongside him for two of the four seasons of the ISL. The two share a solid bond on and off the field with a love for Liverpool FC being a common factor for the two.

The heart of the matter

Jhingan became the first Indian to make 50 appearances in the ISL when he took the field against the Dynamos last night. The 24-year-old has been a solid presence at the back for the Blasters throughout their journey and despite their slow start to the current campaign, he has been one of their standout performers.

In his passionate message on social media, Hume called Jhingan as the stalwart and warrior of Indian football, which is a praise of the highest order coming from an experienced campaigner.

What next?

Three points against Delhi Dynamos were the need of the hour for the Kochi based side. The Blasters will now hope that their hat-trick hero Iain Hume and record maker Sandesh Jhingan combine well to bring about a change a luck in the team's fortune starting from their next game against Mumbai City FC on January 14.

Author's take

In recent weeks, all the focus on Kerala Blasters has been on the negative side with a change in management and flurry of disappointing results dampening the mood around the club. But a positive result and such camaraderie between two senior players of the side will surely give the supporters a sense of confidence about the remainder of the season.