When you think of India's top goalkeepers, one name stands tall: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. A rock between the posts for Bengaluru FC since 2017, he has established himself as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the Indian Super League (ISL) and a key pillar for the Indian national team.

Whether it’s pulling off stunning saves, commanding his box, or winning silverware, Sandhu has done it all. With multiple trophies to his name and a legacy that continues to grow, he has been a game changer, both for club and country.

Sandhu, who has made over 150 ISL appearances with Bengaluru FC, is the only third goalkeeper to record 50 clean sheets in the league’s history. The 33-year-old custodian is also the only player to win the Golden Glove accolade twice, having won it successive times in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

Over his eight-year tenure, the keeper has lifted multiple trophies with Bengaluru FC, including the ISL Cup, Durand Cup, and Super Cup. His success extends beyond the Blues, as he has also won several titles with the Indian national team. Most importantly, he was adorned with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2019.

In the latest episode of In the Stands, hosted by Suyash Upadhyaya, Sandhu opened up about his time with Bengaluru FC so far, memories with the national team, and more.

Born in Punjab, Sandhu started his football career at the St. Stephen's Football Academy before joining East Bengal FC. He began his professional career with East Bengal FC and was part of their 2012 Federation Cup-winning squad. Before joining the Blues in 2017, he plied his trade with the Norwegian side Stabæk Football Club, with whom he played in the Europa League Qualifying fixture against Connah's Quay Nomads FC.

The Indian international revealed that becoming a goalkeeper was never part of his dream, and it just happened naturally along the way.

“When I joined St. Stephen's Football Academy, back in school. Obviously, I wasn't good with the ball. I would say I'm okay with the ball right now. But back then, our coaches, Surinder (Singh) sir and Bhupinder (Singh) sir, decided to put me in the goal,” he reminisced.

“Since then, I didn't even question it. I said, at least I'm getting to play; at least that is happening. So, I didn't question it, and it has been quite some time. I would say, since 2001-02,” he added.

A Bengaluru FC legend!

Bengaluru FC has been Sandhu’s second home since coming back to India from Norway. Having played for the club for a while, the veteran goalkeeper feels very pleased to represent the Blues and spend time in the city, which shares an eternal bond with his heart.

“I've only played for technically three clubs, and I've been a professional for about 15 years now. You don't see that very often. A lot of players keep moving around; the biggest example is Sunil (Chhetri) bhai. But again, sometimes in football, you find a place that you can call home, and you feel comfortable and also feel like, you know, it's a place where you can push yourself and be in an environment where you can grow as a person, not only as a player, which is very important,” he shared.

“With all due respect to other cities, I think Bengaluru is, you know, obviously one of the most livable cities. And that has been one of the factors for us to stay here. And again, for me, staying in Bengaluru is purely because now this club is like a family, which you can't leave behind. It’s a family group. I've stuck with them because they're my family. And I know the people in the club, outside the club, and in the stands, and (also there are) personal relationships with the fans. That is very rare. Although I've played only with a few clubs before, I've never experienced something like that. So, I think it's the uniqueness here.”

Reflecting on his early days at Bengaluru FC, Sandhu revealed that he had received offers from other clubs. However, he was drawn to the city's football culture and the passion of its fans. Feeling that connection from the start, he turned down lucrative deals and chose to carve out his own legacy with the Blues.

“I've been fortunate and very thankful for the offers that I got back in 2018. I initially signed only for one year with Bengaluru FC. After spending time here and assessing the situation and everything, I thought, this is obviously one of the best places to be, win trophies, and build a legacy. I always wanted to come back to India, to a club where the bond is special, where the club is run in an immaculate way, people are professional, and everything is perfect,” Sandhu disclosed.

“I made my national debut also, my national debut in Bengaluru. So, it's very, you know, there's a story attached to it. I call it a home; that's why,” he continued.

National team memories

Sandhu holds the record for the most appearances by a goalkeeper for the senior national team and has been a key figure for the Blue Tigers. A proven winner, he has played a crucial role in India's success over the years, lifting multiple trophies with the squad.

One of his standout performances came during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in 2019, when India held a higher-ranked Qatar side to a historic draw away from home and without Sunil Chhetri. Sandhu was nothing short of sensational that night, pulling off sharp reflex saves and commanding his box to help India secure a vital point on the road.

Recalling the Qatar match and his match-defining performance between the sticks, Sandhu said, “Yes (I was named captain), because Sunil bhai, unfortunately, was sick and feeling under the weather. He was having a very high fever and everything. And he was watching the game in the hotel. In fact, because he traveled with us to Doha, he was watching the game in the hotel. I mean, it was an honor. And to go out there and keep a clean sheet against Qatar and play that game was unbelievable. Something that you can't forget.”

“That game was good. I don't think I made any unbelievable out-of-the-blue. I didn't make any unbelievable flying saves or penalty saves or stuff like that. Just general saves. You would expect me to, you know, make it. So, I was happy about it. But I don't think I played anything extraordinary where I, you know, made the most unbelievable save of my life, like Emi Martinez in the World Cup final or something like that,” he further added.