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Punjab FC youngster Tekcham Abhishek Singh picks his favourite Indian footballer

Saikat has been the Khel Now Correspondent of Jamshedpur FC, alongside Indian football he writes world football & Hockey articles.
Published at :February 4, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Modified at :February 4, 2025 at 1:39 PM
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Tekcham Abhishek Singh has been in sublime form for the Shers.

Punjab FC‘s 20-year-old rising sensation, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, has been a standout performer in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season. Known for his versatility and consistency, he has emerged as one of Punjab FC’s most pivotal players. As the team pushes to secure a top-six finish, Abhishek’s ability to make overlapping runs down the flanks and initiate counter-attacks will be instrumental in their campaign.

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Tekcham Abhishek participated in a “This or That” game, where he was given some of the toughest choices among some of the finest Indian footballers. His decisions were surprising, truly reflecting his admiration for some of the greatest legends of Indian football. Stay tuned for more insights from the young star as he makes a shocking choice in the end.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu or the Spiderman of India?

Tekcham Abhishek Singh was given a difficult choice between two of India’s most accomplished goalkeepers—Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Subrata Paul. Subrata, known as the “Spider-Man of Indian Football,” was a key figure for the national team, particularly during the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, where his stunning saves earned him widespread acclaim. His time at Jamshedpur FC saw him win the Golden Glove, further proving his reliability between the posts.

Throwback to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's heroics against Qatar in 2019.
Source: AIFF

On the other hand, Gurpreet has been the face of Indian goalkeeping in recent years, having played in the UEFA Europa League with Stabaek and establishing himself as a leader for Bengaluru FC and the national team. His commanding presence, exceptional reflexes, and consistent performances have made him the undisputed first-choice keeper for India.

Despite the legacy Subrata Paul has left behind, Tekcham Abhishek Singh made his choice and picked Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. As a young footballer growing up in the modern era, he leaned towards the Bengaluru FC star, who has been India’s undisputed number one in recent years.

Gurpreet’s experience in European football, his leadership qualities, and his crucial saves in major tournaments have cemented his place as one of the finest goalkeepers in Indian football history. Though Subrata Paul’s contributions to Indian football remain invaluable, Tekcham Abhishek’s choice reflected the shift in admiration towards the current generation’s standout performers.

Did Tekcham choose Jhingan over Bheke?

When asked to pick between Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke, Tekcham Abhishek Singh leaned towards the defensive powerhouse, Sandesh Jhingan. The 31-year-old centre-back, known for his beast-like mentality and relentless commitment on the field, has been India’s defensive rock for the past few years.

His leadership, resilience, and unwavering presence at the back have earned him the prestigious Arjuna Award, solidifying his status as one of India’s finest defenders. Jhingan’s ability to marshal the backline and his fearless approach to the game made him Tekcham Abhishek’s preferred choice.

SANDESH JHINGAN CHINGLENSANA SINGH LALCHUNGNUNGA ASIAN GAMES SQUAD INDIAN FOOTBALL TEAM

Though Rahul Bheke has been instrumental in Indian football, winning the ISL title with Bengaluru FC and later captaining Mumbai City FC to multiple triumphs, Tekcham Abhishek chose the experience and defensive tenacity of Jhingan. While Bheke’s versatility and attacking contributions from the back are commendable, Jhingan’s sheer dominance in defence and his reputation as India’s prime centre-back tipped the scales in his favour.

So whom did Tekcham choose over Chhetri?

The most surprising moment came when Tekcham Abhishek Singh was asked to choose between the iconic captain, leader, and legend, Sunil Chhetri, and the torchbearer of Indian football, Baichung Bhutia. Both hailing from the Northeast, just like Tekcham, the decision carried immense weight, as both have left an indelible mark on Indian football history.

How did the Indian sports fraternity react to Sunil Chhetri's farewell?

While many assumed he would favour Sunil Chhetri, given his ongoing legacy and unmatched goal-scoring prowess, Tekcham made a startling choice by selecting Baichung Bhutia. His admiration for Bhutia was evident, a testament to the veteran striker’s impact on Indian football, paving the way for future generations with his incredible skills, leadership, and European football experience.

The trend continued when Tekcham was presented with yet another legendary dilemma—choosing between Baichung Bhutia and IM Vijayan. This time, however, he didn’t hesitate. Without a second thought, he once again picked Bhutia, cementing his deep respect and admiration for the former Indian captain. While Vijayan remains an undisputed legend, revered for his flair and technical brilliance, it was Bhutia’s legacy, influence, and contributions to Indian football that resonated most with Tekcham, making his choice clear and emphatic.

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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.

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