Jason Cummings claims every team is in contention for ISL Shield except East Bengal

The Mariners beat their long-term rivals 2-0 in their recent meeting

Not just one of the most high-profile players to represent the most successful club in this country Mohun Bagan, but Jason Cummings is certainly one of the biggest players who haven’t crossed their prime to play in Indian football. The Australian centre-forward joined the Mariners last year with a lot of hype around it, and it goes without saying that his stats do prove his worth.

Now, midway through this Indian Super League, Cummings gave an insightful interview to Bengali media outlet Sangbad Pratidin. He shared dressing room secrets, his thoughts on the 135-year club, Indian Football Team, ISL, arch-rivals East Bengal FC and much more. So without much adieu, sneak below and find out what all he said.

Thoughts on shared game time with Jamie Maclaren

As the publication’s print, Jason Cummings was asked that despite being a much hyped signing just last season, he is a substitute this season, so what’s his take on the matter? The striker sportingly answered that the issue might personally not be great, but he feels it’s good for the team, as this brings a “healthy competition”, knowing that if one doesn’t play well, his spot is gone.

Cummings was further asked about his take on the continuous race with Jamie Maclaren, be it previously in the Australian national team or now in Mohun Bagan. The striker laughingly said it’s again a “healthy competition”, which benefits both Jamie and him. He further exclaimed that these competitions speak about the depth of defending champions of the Shield hail.

As the report states, he was also asked for some insights on the Mohun Bagan dressing room, the environment, and especially the leader there. The player did share the secret, saying that the dressing room (environment) is happy. He also said with a laugh that the captain of the side is the on-field captain, but outside the field, he is the team’s leader. He also claimed that everyone listens to what he says, and he keeps contact with all. And, after all, his joyous nature makes him a fan favourite.

ISL Shield race and East Bengal’s chances

On being asked about the ISL Championship race last season and this season, he gave a humble reply saying last season, it was them, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC from the start only. But, this time the competition is more, as all clubs are capable of clinching it.

After his humble reply, he was swiftly asked about EBFC’s chances, and he was clear to rule them out of the competition, saying “No, No. Keep East Bengal out of the championship race”.

The statement’s enough to spark some talks, after all the star striker of Mohun Bagan says everyone is a capable contender for being champions, other than arch-rivals East Bengal FC. He however also mentioned that “this season East Bengal have a stronger team”.

Thoughts on India’s last match against Malaysia

He was also asked if he saw Team India’s last game against the Malaysia Football Team, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s howler, and his thoughts on Vishal Kaith not being the first-choice. Cummings did say that he didn’t see the game, but got to hear a few news. He also took the side of his team’s player Kaith, saying that Vishal is the No. 1 goalkeeper in the country currently, and he should be the first-choice Team India goalie. He also claimed that a prime reason behind Mohun Bagan’s past success is Vishal Kaith.

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