ISL 2018/19: Inspired by Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic, Sandesh Jhingan looks to lead Kerala Blasters to glory

Sandesh Jhingan has come a long way. Rewind back eight years and Jhingan was turned down by no less than six clubs before he began to ply his trade for United Sikkim in 2011. Since then, the central-defender hasn't looked back.

Now a regular for the Indian national team and captain of Kerala Blasters, Sandesh Jhingan sat down with Sportskeeda for an exclusive interview during which he spoke on a wide range of topics. The 24-year-old was in Mumbai for the Star Sports Select fan event for the match between Manchester United and Arsenal. Here are excerpts from the conversation.

Q: Do you follow the Premier League?

A: Premier League was my first love, it was famous back then as well. My brother, Suarabh introduced me to it. We used to play in the streets and then come back home to watch the games. I have been a Manchester United supporter for a long time.

Q: As a defender, what have you learnt from the EPL?

A: Be it Jaap Stam, Ferdinand, Vidic or Wes Brown - the league they played in was hard and brutal. You can see blood everywhere, so I have learnt a lot. I try to copy Nemanja Vidic, I like him a lot, even now.

Q: You're 24 years old, a regular for the Indian national team and captain of Kerala Blasters, how do you look back on this journey?

A: I am really lucky and have been helped by many people in my success. It's been a fairyland man. Now I have to become more serious about my lifestyle and how I behave off the field, reach greater heights. I hope I keep improving and keep getting better.

Q: The Intercontinental Cup coming up, you're going to be up against South Africa, New Zealand and Chinese Taipei, are they the toughest teams that you're about to face?

A: If you've played against Iran, you won't be much bothered when you play against these teams. Iran were one hell of a team to play against, home and away. The tougher teams you play, the better you become.

There is no point in playing teams who are your level. When you play against tougher teams, results won't go your way initially but then you improve and get better as a team. I am really happy that these teams accepted to come and play in India.

Q: So, you're confident India can do well in the tournament?

It's not like they are the best teams in the world, they're strong teams. The way we are playing and getting better each day, we will give them a tough fight. We want to win the cup and we're optimistic. We're very confident in ourselves and we're a strong batch who believe in ourselves.

Q: Is coach Stephen Constantine focusing more on the defence since you're playing against quality opponents?

A: Stephen is a guy who always keeps you motivated, that is one of his strengths. Most English coaches are defensive but I won't call Stephen defensive. I like his philosophy. Of course, we're aware that these teams will come at us, they're higher ranked.

Three to four years back Indian football wasn't a big thing. Now when they come here they know about us. We will have our chances and we can win.

Q: What's the difference when defending against Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua?

A: See Jeje is kind of a player who doesn't run much, he knows where to stand. He's the kind of player who likes to receive the ball at his body, he has a different way of playing.

Sunil bhai is more of a smart runner, they're both different kind of players but both score goals and that is the important thing. I really enjoy playing against them.

Q: What are the next objectives for you?

A: Only if you have short-term objectives can you dream of the big ones. I want to win as many trophies I can as a captain and as a player for the club and country.

I want to play Asia Cup reguarly. To reach that level, we need to do well in the Intercontinental Cup. Small dreams and big dreams both need to come together.