Sandesh JhinganThe idea of ​​a strong mentality is different from ours.
The Indian defender is often praised for his warrior-like mentality. It’s a mindset that has found him many admirers, inspired younger players, and more importantly, helped him overcome the biggest injury setback of his professional life.
After sustaining an injury during India’s Asia Cup campaign in January this year, Jhingan had to undergo surgery on his knee. But just when many feared a big question mark over his career, the star defender bounced back in style. When he returned to FC Goa after ten months on the sidelines, he became an ancient Jhingan: putting his body on the line, taking on tough tackles.
He did the same with the national team against Malaysia, this time wearing the captain’s armband.
While many, not without reason, would think that it was his soldier-like mentality that helped Jhingan make a comeback, the 31-year-old centre-back sees things differently.
“I respect it when people talk about my mentality, but if you ask me personally, I didn’t do anything different,” Jhingan said, speaking to TOI ahead of the club’s training session on Monday morning. “This is my job, and whatever it takes to get better at your job, you have to do it. The real mentality is what you see on the street, when you come home. The people who put food on the table every day; if their legs are broken, if his arm is broken, he still does his work. Otherwise, the child will not eat at night.
“You go to the hospital, you see the mentality there, you see the hope. I’ve been paid. I have food on the table, even though I’m in a hospital bed. I don’t have to worry. So, if I sit here and expand you, ‘oh, I have a good mentality, I’m a soldier’, that’s a lie. I’m just lucky to be a professional footballer. Just a kid whose dreams come true.”
For a few days after his injury in Doha, Jhingan thought he would be fine, even though he played for two or three months with a damaged knee. His club, after all, is the favorite for the ISL Shield and needs him. There are also important national team games in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
“I want to continue playing for another two or three months, and then if the knee gets worse, I will take the risk. At first, there is a lot of optimism or false hope that you give yourself, thinking you can overcome this. But then there is a stage there is a doctor, and you have to listen to the right person.
Surgery was the only option, and for all his bravery, Jhingan was not a superhuman. He has a sense of fear. It was difficult, he said. “With surgery, fear comes, and that’s normal. Then there are doubts (in the future).
For India’s experienced defender, captain-elect Manolo Marquez, it is the people around him who inspire him. His wife, his daughter, his parents, his coach, his doctor, his physiotherapist, his friends, his old friends.
“Big credit to my son and my wife. I wanted to walk with my daughter when she took her first step. I never felt a burden. I just looked like another rehab, a chance to make my body better, make a comeback. I never felt what what happened to me is not fair, I never ask for sympathy, I’m very lucky. God gave me and my family, and that’s how I see everything,” said Jhingan.
There is no sign against it Jhingan‘s recovery can be measured. It is rare for football players to have surgery on both knees and then return to the field ten months later, as if nothing had happened. Then play 90 minutes, another full game just four days later, and what is the same with the country, as it has been with the club.
For Jhingan, it was all par for the course.
“I only do five percent numbness, go to the gym, go to the ground. But the reason for showing up is the energy I find from the people around me,” said India’s most reliable and consistent player in the last decade.
Since returning from injury, Jhingan has played three consecutive 90-minute games without being substituted. Is he now back to 100% fitness?
“I never look for 100% fitness. When I train, I just want to be better than yesterday, not only in terms of football, but (also) a better human being, a better father, a better husband, a better friend better. Fitness is not just running, but a state of mind. Endless travel,” said Jhingan.
