A stunning free-kick that oozed class. A long-range piledriver that left the goalkeeper stunned. Two goals in the last five games, each a testament to his growing influence. Ramhlunchhunga’s Indian Super League (ISL) season has been anything but ordinary and despite Hyderabad FC’s struggles this season, the young winger has emerged as one of their brightest sparks, suggesting he could be a vital piece in the club’s future. His story is another reminder of the potential that young Indian players possess and the league continues to be a stage for them to shine.

A journey of struggles

But his rise to prominence has been far from smooth. After joining Hyderabad FC in 2022, Ramhlunchhunga was loaned out to I-League side Sreenidi Deccan FC to continue his development. The young winger impressed during his stint, but his return to Hyderabad FC for the 2023-24 season came with its share of challenges.

An unfortunate injury kept him sidelined for the initial phase of the campaign and it took him time to regain his match fitness. By the time he found his rhythm, Hyderabad FC were already drowning at the bottom of the table, struggling to make any impact.

Ramhlunchhunga, however, refused to let those challenges dim his fire. Despite 16 appearances and 1058 minutes under his belt in his debut ISL season, he managed to score one of the team’s 10 goals, making a telling contribution in a season where Hyderabad FC could barely find the back of the net.

The 2023-24 season was a forgettable one for Hyderabad FC. They finished rock bottom of the table with just eight points from 22 matches, registering only one win while scoring 10 goals. For a team that had previously made the playoffs in the previous two seasons, while winning the ISL Cup, this was an absolute fall from grace. But amidst the rubble, Ramhlunchhunga had shown glimpses of promise.

The resurgence

Hyderabad FC’s struggles did not entirely vanish in the 2024-25 season, but there was a notable shift in energy and Ramhlunchhunga was at the heart of it. The team still finds itself near the bottom of the table, but they won’t finish last like they did last season. With 17 points and one game to go, Hyderabad FC have already doubled their goal tally from the previous campaign and Ramhlunchhunga has been a major force driving that improvement.

The numbers speak volumes. The young winger has scored two goals and provided three assists this season, directly contributing to five of Hyderabad FC's 21 goals, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the team's total output. His five-goal contributions put him level with Allan de Souza as the team’s joint-highest goal contributor.

What makes Ramhlunchhunga’s rise even more impressive is his overall contribution to the team’s attacking play. His tally of 41 shots is the most among Indian players in the HFC squad and only three Indian players have attempted more dribbles than him in the ISL.

He is also HFC’s highest chance creator this season and whether it’s whipping in dangerous crosses from open play or putting in teasing deliveries from dead-ball situations, Ramhlunchhunga has made his presence felt. With three assists to his name, he is also currently Hyderabad FC's highest assist provider this season.

A promising future

It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of a struggling team but Ramhlunchhunga has managed to rise above it. For Hyderabad FC, his performances have offered a glimmer of hope and for the ISL, it’s another success story of an Indian player making a meaningful difference for his team.

For Hyderabad FC, the future is still uncertain as they remain a team in transition, searching for stability after two tough seasons. But one thing that seems increasingly clear is that Ramhlunchhunga’s journey is taking flight and his best is surely yet to come. As Hyderabad FC take on Kerala Blasters FC in their final match of the season at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, all eyes will be on Ramhlunchhunga as the team looks to end the campaign on a positive note.

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Hyderabad FC2024-2025