Hormipam Ruivah, Jeakson Singh to join Kerala Blasters for Next Gen Cup

Ayush Adhikari will also be part of the reserve team.

Hormipam Ruivah, Jeakson Singh and Ayush Adhikari will be flying to the United Kingdom to feature in the NextGen Cup for Kerala Blasters. Apart from them, defender Bijoy Varghese could also reportedly join the reserve side in the UK. As per sources, the two teams - Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters will reach the United Kingdom on 22nd July and play a few friendlies as well. The foundation of the event was laid in 2020 and a total of six teams participate in it.

However, one bad news for Kerala Blasters remains in the form of Vincy Barretto’s transfer to Chennaiyin FC. The 22-year-old ended the Reliance Foundation Development League as Kerala Blasters’ top-scorer with three goals in the competition. Nihal Sudeesh, Sreekuttan VS and Givson Singh were other talented youngsters who donned the Yellow in the competition.

About the Players

Hormipam Ruivah and Ayush Adhikari have been two revelations of the Indian Super League 2021/22. Under head coach Ivan Vukomanovic both of them starred as Kerala Blasters raced to the finals. Ruivah featured in 14 matches for the Blasters and gave away just 14 fouls in the process.

Meanwhile, Adhikari along with the likes of Puitea and Jeakson Singh bossed the centre of the pitch. The 21-year-old appeared in 17 matches under Vukomanovic. Ayush Adhikari also captained the team in the first-ever RFDL. He went on to score a goal against Mumbai City, which ultimately turned out to be the decider of the game.

Jeakson Singh on the other hand, is a known face in Indian football. He is the only Indian goal-scorer in a FIFA event (U-17 World Cup, 2017). The defensive midfielder has been a part of the ISL for quite some time now. His recent stint in the national colours during the AFC Asian Cup Third Round Qualifiers collected praise from the Indian football vertical.

Who will represent India in the NextGen Cup?

Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters ended as the top two teams in the Reliance Foundation Development League. Bengaluru FC were crowned champions. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters collected 16 points in the seven matches of the competition to end second in the table. Thus, these two teams are getting the opportunity to represent India in the latest edition of the NextGen Cup.