Sandesh Jhingan knows a thing or two about the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) final. The robust Indian defender, who is Kerala Blasters FC’s captain, has been a part of the summit tie not once, but twice. In 2014, Jhingan saw his side bow out to ATK, in the final minutes of the tie after a Mohammed Rafique winner.

And two years later, Henrique Sereno rose above the man himself to nod in an equaliser that pushed the game into eventual penalties, where the Blasters were once again caught wanting. While many went on to claim that the Kochi-based outfit succumbed to pressure and let the game slip away from their grasp, Jhingan thinks otherwise. “On a personal level, I think there is no pressure in playing the final. I think it is the best thing that can happen,” he said in a chat with indiansuperleague.com.

“There is more pressure if you’re not there (in the final), because then you put pressure on yourselves. But I feel (playing a final is) the best occasion, the best time to be out there, on the biggest stage where everyone is watching. So, there is no pressure. I think everyone enjoys it and I personally love playing in those games. It is a great thing to cherish.”

The grand finale of Hero ISL 2017-18 is less than 24 hours away and with Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC set to clash for the biggest prize at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, Jhingan thinks it’s Bengaluru’s title to lose. “I think Bengaluru FC (will win). Because I played for them and I like Albert Roca and his football style. So, Bengaluru FC impresses me,” he explained.

“Even Chennaiyin FC (has a good chance of winning) because of their defence. I am a big fan of Sereno and I like him a lot. Both teams are good but if I had to pick one, I’d say Bengaluru FC.”

Moreover, with Roca’s men playing in front of their faithful fans, the West Block Blues, Jhingan believes that Chennaiyin will have to deal with the challenge of a vociferous twelfth man if they are to add another league title to their cabinet. “I think that (West Block Blues) is the biggest strength they have right now. The fans are really good, really loud. The West Block Blues — they’ll be the twelfth man.”

Matches like a final usually see a player standout and make it his night. While the semi-final ties saw Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua inspire their respective sides to fine wins, the final, Jhingan believes, will be decided by defensive stalwarts. “I think (the teams) are full of game changers,” said the 24-year-old.

“Big ones would be with Juanan (Juan Gonzales) and John Johnson in the back (for Bengaluru FC) and Mailson (Alves) and Sereno (for Chennaiyin FC). Defence would be key in the game. I think what I like about both the teams is that they have a good defence. If you have a good defence, you can go really far. It will be a tight game, but I really think it would be won by 1 or 2 goals. I think who defends better will win.”

The Indian defender also picked up his combined XI for the final. Here’s a look.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Defender: Rahul Bheke, John Johnson, Henrique Sereno, Subhasish Bose

Midfielder: Udanta Singh, Dimas Delgado, Raphael Augusto, Dhanpal Ganesh, Sunil Chhetri

Forward: Miku/Jeje Lalpekhlua