Udanta Singh was scouted by former Bengaluru FC manager Ashley Westwood in early 2014 during a practice match against Tata Football Academy. He forced a deal with TFA and brought Udanta to BFC. He could see potential in the then 17-year-old kid from Manipur. And boy hasn’t he delivered.

The right-winger was joint second highest Indian goalscorer of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 along with Lallianzuala Chhangte with five goals. In the second leg of the 2018-19 semi-finals against NorthEast United FC, he assisted the goal scored by Miku which inspired the team to turn things around and qualify for the finals.

Just like every sports player goes through a period where he isn’t able to perform as people expect them to, Udanta has had a similar phase in the last couple of seasons. The Manipuri has scored only two goals and made one assist in the last two seasons despite playing well over a thousand minutes in each season.

However, things are looking different at the start of the Hero ISL 2021-22 season. Udanta has been directly involved in two goals in three matches so far. He looks much more confident on the ball. And this might just be the season where he gets back to old ways.

Ahead of Bengaluru FC’s fourth match of the Hero ISL 2021-22 against Mumbai City FC at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Saturday, Udanta gave an exclusive interview to indiansuperleague.com.

Here are the excerpts from the exclusive interview.

Where did you think things went wrong last season?

I had self doubt last season. I have overcome it now, and I am ready to perform like I did in the last three-four years.

Players get trolled on social media when they aren’t performing. It happened to you last season. How do you deal with it?

Negativity will always be there. I choose to ignore it. Sunil bhai always tells me to never pay attention to negativity in whatever you do.

You have started the season. What are your thoughts on it and how are you preparing for the rest of the season?

I feel good. I have started the season well. I gave an assist in the first match and helped the team to win. I will take it game by game and work to improve my performances. I want to improve. It’s not about what critics said last season. I want to help my club and the national team, score more goals and make more assists.