The 22-year-old forward Ishan Pandita stunned everyone by scoring 4 goals in 131 minutes of his first Indian Super League (ISL) season. FC Goa’s super-sub helped his team reach the play-offs, where they suffered a loss against Mumbai City FC.
“There are always two sides to a coin. If you look at it, I’ve only played 50-odd minutes. But, on the other hand, I have scored four vital goals for the club. I can say that it has been pretty good so far. I wish I could have played a few more minutes, but that is not important right now. I just have to do my bit to help the team get to the final and hopefully win the Hero ISL trophy.” – Ishan Pandita told ISL
Senior Indian National Football Team’s manager, Igor Stimac was quick to notice the budding star and Pandita got a national call.
India Call-up for Ishan Pandita:
Ishan Pandita’s effective presence on the field not only aided Goa to seal the top 4 spot but also put him in the spotlight ahead of India’s friendlies against Oman and United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Delhi-born striker of Kashmiri origin used to play in the fourth-division Spanish team Lorca FC.
After spending five years in Spain he got an offer to come to ISL, which he simply could not refuse. The FC Goa striker is now one of the 35 players to have been selected by Igor Stimac for the forthcoming national duties.
Ishan Pandita’s inclusion in the 35-member preliminary squad announced by Igor Stimac means he is one the 10 players to have earned their maiden India call-up. “All I can say is that I’m hungry and ready to perform. Every time I am on the field, I want to help the team, so I am just hungry to score, passionate and I am happy that things have been clicking.” – Pandita on his 4 goals in his debut ISL season
What’s next for the overnight sensation Pandita:
After an awe-inspiring performance for FC Goa, Ishan Pandita’s national team debut is what every Indian football fan can’t wait to see. Presently, Pandita is training in Dubai for his national team debut.
He had signed only a season-long contract with FC Goa and rumors have it that he is already being flooded with offers. Rest assured we will definitely get to see more of the youngster in the upcoming years.
