Photo credit: Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have appointed Anirudh Thapa as their captain for the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 season. The midfielder has been a mainstay for the Marina Machans ever since he made his debut in the ISL back in 2016 and continues to be one of their most capped players.

Graduated from the AIFF Elite Academy back in 2016, he was immediately roped in by the Chennai-based side. After a tough first season, the midfielder sprung into the limelight the following year, winning the AIFF Men Emerging Player of the Year as he guided Chennaiyin FC to their second Hero ISL title.

It was a matter of time that he got a national call-up, with him making an international debut in 2017 itself. Anirudh Thapa has made 24 appearances for the Blue Tigers, along with a couple of goals to his name. The playmaker will shoulder more responsibility in the upcoming season, with the captain’s armband round his hand. However, he feels that nothing has changed for him.

“I think not much has changed for me after being appointed the captain. I have been here for six years now and so it’s not hard to understand what the club wants. They want to win. And so do I. But as captain, there is an added responsibility. To grow up a little bit faster. I will still be a boy who loves football but I will also ensure that the team stays together on and off the field. And I will always protect my team and my players,” said Anirudh Thapa.

Chennaiyin FC finished at the eighth spot last season with just three wins from 20 matches, which was underwhelming from the two-time champions. However, with a revamped side, things might turn out better for the Marina Machans. Either way, Anirudh Thapa remains one of the most potent weapons in their hunt for a third Hero ISL title.