Kerala Blasters FC defender Rahul Bheke has caught the eye with his impressive long throws in the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League. The 24-year-old has also been involved in two of Kerala’s 18 goals this season. The Blasters are in action against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday and they will have to win the match to keep their very remote semi-final hopes alive. Bheke spoke to indiansuperleague.com and discussed quite a few aspects of his game. Here are the excerpts.

Everybody is talking about your long throws. Would you like to share something about your technique?

Long throws are not new to me. From school days, I’ve been accustomed to using long throws. When I started playing professionally, I focussed on the techniques which helped me throw longer.

Given such a hectic schedule, how do you maintain with your fitness levels?

I’m always happy to play back-to-back matches. However, in between these matches I focus on recovery which is an important thing for each and every player. I would do that just to make myself ready for the next game.

With all the love received this season from the fans, does Kochi occupy a special place in your heart now?

Kochi is indeed special. The supporters here are really great, they have cheered for us in each and every match. Win, draw or lose, they have always been there for us!