#2 Sudip Chatterjee
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“Tulu da” was the stable cog of the Indian team that revived its fortunes following the era of storied success in the 50s and 60s. Where Krishanu Dey was diminutive, Sudip Chatterjee stood tall, towering over other players. This did not impede his movement, which was impeccable over 90 minutes of the game.
Chatterjee played for Mohun Bagan as a defender after starting his career as one, but he moved into a new role along with a new club in 1984 at East Bengal. That is where he became one of the most respected and feared footballers in the country.
Sudip Chatterjee featured for India in a whole host of tournaments that included the 1982 Asian Games, the 1984 AFC Asia Cup, Olympic and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Merdeka Cup, and captained the side in the South Asian Federation Games, the Nehru Cup, the 1986 Asian Games and the 1988 and 1992 AFC Asian Cup. Notably, he was one of the rare players who featured for the Indian national team before playing for any of the traditional big clubs at the time. His talent was such that national scouts ensured his international career was a lengthy and successful one.
Sudip Chatterjee retired from the game in 1992 after his ill-health prevented him from performing at the highest levels. Tulu da was diagnosed with dementia soon after and passed away in 2006 due to a cardiac arrest.
Accolades
1986 AIFF Player of the Year, 1994 AIFF Player of the Decade.
