Ashutosh Mehta on ISL comeback, national team call-up, relationship with Khalid Jamil & more

Ashutosh Mehta is making a comeback to the football pitch after a two-year doping ban.

Ashutosh Mehta, the 33-year-old right-back from Mumbai, made headlines when he was handed a two-year ban from football after a failed doping test—a blow that many feared would permanently halt his career.

At the time, Mehta was in superb form, having showcased his skills with NorthEast United FC before transitioning to the iconic ATK Mohun Bagan. The ban left a shadow over his future in football, raising doubts about whether he could ever return to the field.

However, upon completing his suspension, Mehta staged a remarkable comeback, rejoining the football scene with renewed vigor and proving his resilience.

He joined Jamshedpur FC and quickly made an impact in the Durand Cup, displaying his unwavering commitment to the game. In his Indian Super League debut for Jamshedpur FC, he emerged as the best Indian performer on the pitch for the Red Miners, highlighting his renewed strength and determination.

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Ashutosh Mehta candidly reflected on the challenges of his two-year suspension, the struggles he faced during those dark days, and the dedication that fueled his return.

He also shared his aspirations for representing the national team once again and spoke warmly about his rapport with Jamshedpur FC coach Khalid Jamil, whose support has been pivotal to his journey back.

Challenges during the two-year ban period

When asked about his mindset during the two-year footballing ban, Ashutosh Mehta shared, “It is very difficult, to be honest. These two years felt like 20 years for me. Especially when there is no camera, no limelight, no appreciation.

“You are all by yourself. Time went by slowly. I had to fight with my mind every hour, every minute, every second. You are your friend as well as your enemy. You have to look after your family as well simultaneously. You cannot expect them to be as headstrong as you are, and you’ve to constantly assure them that everything will be fine.”

Ashutosh Mehta continued, “But there’s always a silver lining in the cloud. My perspective on life and challenges changed completely, and I evolved as a human being.”

When asked what kept him going through those challenging times, Ashutosh expressed, “If you have a rare opportunity to set an example for the next generation, you are very fortunate. I wanted to always set an example.

“You can come back from it, no matter how difficult the situation is, as long as you want it as badly as you want to breathe.” He added, “I am living proof of that. I know it’s difficult. But everyone should touch their rock bottom at least once in their life to truly know and understand themselves better.”

Hi,This is to address all concerns and rumours that have surrounded by suspension over the last coupe of years . pic.twitter.com/9uIC1aRXPd

— Ashutosh_mehta1 (@Ashutosh_mehta1) July 3, 2024

Mehta on Khalid Jamil’s impact on his career

When asked about his relationship and chemistry with coach Khalid Jamil, Ashutosh Mehta opined, “The best part about Khalid sir is there’s so much to learn from him. He has had a big impact on my life both on and off the pitch. His work ethic, preparation, attention to detail—he’s relentlessly committed to constantly improving and evolving.”

Reflecting on his reaction when Khalid Jamil reached out about joining the Jamshedpur FC setup, he explained, “This time, however, the situation was different. I had to come back, undergo medical tests, and convince the coach and management that I still had a lot of football left in me. I needed to prove myself in the Durand Cup as well—being fit and being match fit are two different things.”

Ashutosh Mehta continued, “Khalid Sir is 100% professional. Even off the pitch, he’s incredibly dedicated. He wakes up early and does all those video sessions, analyzing the team and players. He’s so deeply invested in football; it’s inspiring to see someone so committed.”

On dealing with trolls and criticism

When asked about handling negativity, trolls, and criticism, Ashutosh Mehta shared his perspective: “People can have their opinions and assumptions. They can speak ill about you. But as long as you silence the outside noise and focus on listening to your inner voice, nothing can stop you from achieving greatness.”

Ashutosh Mehta continued with conviction, “I honestly had no second chances or options. My Plan B was to make Plan A work, and my Plan A was to make the biggest comeback on the football pitch.”

This resilience underscores Mehta’s unwavering focus on his goals, exemplifying his determination to rise above challenges and emerge stronger.

On Jamshedpur FC’s best-ever ISL start

Reflecting on Jamshedpur FC’s impressive start to the ISL season, Ashutosh Mehta remarked, “The best player of the team, the most skillful player, the most tactically smart player — that player is the team itself.

“Sometimes, it’s more important to have a good team than just a good squad. As long as we stay united and play as a team, we can achieve great things.”

His words highlight the collective spirit that drives Jamshedpur FC, emphasizing teamwork and cohesion over individual talent in their pursuit of success this season that has seen the Red Miners registering their best-ever start to an ISL season ever since their inception into the topmost division of Indian Football.

Ashutosh Mehta’s ambitions for the national team

Discussing his aspirations for the national team, Ashutosh shared, “The result isn’t in my hands. What’s in my control is the effort I put in, the sweat I pour out in training, and my commitment to proving myself every day. Coach Manolo Marquez is a top coach and a great person. He understands Indian football and the players deeply.

“I feel that, having come this far, it’s essential to believe in myself. Belief and constant self-improvement are what matter most,” Ashutosh Mehta concluded. With unwavering determination, Ashutosh emphasized the importance of self-belief and relentless hard work as he eyes a return to the national stage.

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