ISL 2018-19: Kerala Blasters vs Delhi Dynamos - 5 Talking points and Tactical Analysis

#3 Sandesh Jhingan and the equalizer for Delhi Dynamos

Andrija Kaludjerovic scores the equalizer for Delhi [Image: ISL]

After Kerala scored the 48th-minute goal through Vineeth, it looked like Kerala would sail through comfortably with Jhingan standing tall to any attacks on the Kerala post. It was quite a sight to see the Indian team captain proving how good he is on the backline.

But the story turned in a matter of seconds when Jhingan had a cramp and the game went on. Quite effortlessly the Delhi striker who had minimal impact on the game till that point of time, headed the ball past Naveen Kumar to draw the game for Delhi.

Kerala just did not have a plan B to defend when Jhingan was down. This raises multiple questions: Is it time that another lively defender in Anas Edathodika starts with Jhingan? Or is it time to see Cyril Kali on the field in place of Lakic Pesic. Granted that it might be a tough call on Pesic, but the seconds when Jhingan was unavailable did cost Kerala 2 points.

Moreover, another question that is raised is why didn't Jhingan opt to stay down before itself to sort out the cramp. There were moments earlier, much before the equalizer was scored when Jhingan was feeling uneasiness around his legs. Shouldn't he have stayed down to get treated for the cramp considering the fact that Kerala was in the lead and only needed to kill time? Might not be an ethical way to play the game, but could have been effective.