Few players in Indian Super League (ISL) history have left as lasting an imprint as Sandesh Jhingan. A veteran of the league, the defender has built a legacy not just through standout individual performances but by elevating the players around him.

The defender has been a near-permanent figure since the league’s inception in 2014. Across clubs and campaigns, Jhingan hasn’t just played football but also shaped teams.

From his breakthrough season with Kerala Blasters FC to recent heroics with FC Goa, Jhingan’s presence has been synonymous with defensive stability. While he may not have a trophy cabinet overflowing with ISL silverware, his contribution to the evolution and success of several teams is undeniable.

Jhingan’s journey has been all about bouncing back, adjusting to teams and challenges and giving his all: qualities that have made him one of the league’s most respected defenders.

A star is born

When Kerala Blasters FC stepped onto the ISL stage in 2014, few could have predicted the impact a young defender from Chandigarh would make. But by the end of the inaugural season, Jhingan was a household name. Deployed largely as a full-back, he impressed with maturity well beyond his years. His efforts were recognised with the Emerging Player of the Season award as the Blasters reached the final, having conceded the fewest goals in the league stage.

Even as the Blasters endured a turbulent 2015 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the table amidst managerial changes, Jhingan remained a constant presence in their line up.

The 2016 season saw Kerala Blasters FC bounce back in style, finishing second in the league stage, their highest-ever finish till date. Jhingan once again showcased his versatility, seamlessly switching between full-back and centre-back roles. The team kept five clean sheets, the second-most in the league stage that formed the foundation for their run to the final.

Although they fell short once again losing in a penalty shootout, Jhingan’s influence on the team's defensive shape was unmistakable.

Jhingan’s leadership qualities were further acknowledged when he was handed the captain’s armband in the 2017-18 season. While Kerala Blasters FC missed out on the playoffs, finishing sixth, they suffered just five defeats, third fewest in the league and boasted the best defensive record among teams in the bottom half. Jhingan led by example, marshalling the backline with maturity.

The following season was one to forget for the Blasters, as they slipped to ninth place. Yet again, Jhingan remained a bright spot. Despite the team’s attacking struggles, he led the club in interceptions and stood out as a leader on and off the pitch in a transitional squad. For a side grappling with inconsistency, Jhingan was the glue that kept them together.

The 2019-20 season brought a major hurdle. A long-term injury ruled Jhingan out for the entire campaign. For someone who had been such a constant presence in the league, it was a bitter blow. But in true Jhingan fashion, he returned stronger.

A new chapter with MBSG

When he joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the 2020-21 season, questions lingered about his fitness. He answered them emphatically. The Mariners finished second in the league, conceding the fewest goals and kept a joint-high tally of 10 clean sheets during the season. Jhingan played a central role in that defensive success, anchoring a solid backline that made them serious contenders for the Shield and Cup.

His performances earned him a move abroad to Croatian club HNK Sibenik. Unfortunately, injury once again got in the way, preventing him from making his debut in Europe. Returning to India later that season, Jhingan rejoined MBSG during the final stretch of the 2021-22 campaign. He slotted straight back into the starting eleven, helping them to a third-place finish and a spot in the semi-finals. Even in limited appearances, his influence was significant.

A memorable stint with the Blues

Ahead of the 2022-23 season, Jhingan took on a new challenge by joining Bengaluru FC. The Blues endured a slow start that campaign, struggling for rhythm and results. But when the chips were down, they found momentum and Jhingan was at the heart of it. Bengaluru FC went on an eight-match winning streak to storm into the playoffs, eventually reaching the final.

With Jhingan marshalling the defence, the Blues registered seven clean sheets, the joint-second most in the league. His experience and leadership were vital, particularly in guiding younger players and helping the team maintain composure during their remarkable turnaround.

A defensive wall for FC Goa

Jhingan’s next destination was FC Goa, where he signed ahead of the 2023-24 season. The Gaurs got off to a flying start, remaining unbeaten in their first ten games with Jhingan in the team. During that run, they kept six clean sheets and conceded just five goals. With Jhingan commanding the defence, the Gaurs looked primed to mount a serious challenge for the League Shield.

However, another knee injury ruled Jhingan out for the remainder of the season. In his absence, FC Goa lost their defensive solidity and while they still made it to the semi-finals, their Cup charge faltered. Their struggles without him were a stark reminder of his importance.

His return midway through the 2024-25 season couldn’t have come sooner. The Gaurs had picked up just one win in six games and had not kept a single clean sheet. Jhingan’s arrival flipped the script. FC Goa lost just two games in the remainder of the league stage, finishing second behind Mohun Bagan Super Giant and boasting the second-best defensive record. Though they were knocked out in the semis once again, it was a markedly improved display compared to the previous season.

More than just a defender

Across the ISL, the pattern is clear. Wherever Jhingan plays, teams concede fewer goals, defend with greater cohesion and perform better in high-pressure scenarios. He organises the backline, reads the game astutely and rarely shies away from putting his body on the line.

What has made him among the best defenders is his consistency. He has played under a variety of managers, adapted to numerous systems and bounced back from serious injuries – all while maintaining elite performance levels.

He may not have won any silverware in the league but make no mistake, Jhingan has been a champion in every other sense.