Indian football team midfielder Ayush Chhetri is steadily making a name for himself as one of the brightest young prospects in Indian football. Over the past couple of seasons, he has been turning heads in the Indian Super League (ISL) with his performances for FC Goa. His consistent displays at the club level earned him a well-deserved national team call-up earlier this month, a milestone that every aspiring footballer dreams of.

Making his debut for the Blue Tigers in a recent friendly against Maldives, Chhetri was thrust into the starting lineup. Despite the weight of the occasion, he rose to the challenge, playing a crucial role in India's convincing victory. More impressively, his composed performance in midfield helped the team secure a clean sheet, an achievement that highlights both his defensive awareness and ability to adapt quickly to the international stage. Given that he was the third-youngest player in the current Indian squad, his maturity on the pitch stood out even more.

"Of course, I was a bit nervous before the game. I'm usually a quiet person before kick-off. But when the match got underway, I felt very comfortable and confident," Chhetri said in an interview to the-aiff.com.

"It was an unforgettable night for me. A childhood dream to play for the senior national team came true. I video-called my parents after the game and they were so happy for me. My grandfather almost cried. My family has supported me in everything. I dedicate this match to them, and I would also like to thank all the Nepali people in Mizoram," he further shared after his debut in Shillong.

Born in Mizoram, he started his footballing journey at Aizawl FC and steadily climbed the ranks. Chhetri made his professional debut in the I-League at the age of just 17 during the 2020-21 season. His performances in the I-League didn’t go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before FC Goa signed him.

Making the transition from the I-League to the ISL is a challenge for many young players, but Chhetri handled it with remarkable ease. Upon signing with FC Goa, he wasted no time in proving his worth, integrating seamlessly into the first team and soon establishing himself as a regular starter.

Since the arrival of Manolo Marquez as head coach, Chhetri's development has taken another leap forward. The Spanish tactician, known for his ability to nurture young talent, has placed immense trust in the midfielder. With Márquez now managing both FC Goa and the Indian national team, the synergy between club and country has worked in Chhetri’s favor. Having a familiar system and a coach who understands his strengths has undoubtedly helped him transition smoothly into the national setup.

While Chhetri is still savoring the experience of his international debut, he knows that this is just the beginning. The road ahead is long, and he is determined to keep improving and earning more opportunities at the highest level. With India's crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on Tuesday, he will be hopeful of making his competitive debut and contributing more for the Blue Tigers.

"I want to keep playing as many matches as possible for the national team and help our country reach higher. I have a lot of things to improve, like my speed and strength. The national team is different from the club because here we don't have much time to adjust. We have to adapt to what the coach wants. It's a bit easier for me since Manolo is also FC Goa's coach. Also, the senior players help me a lot," he revealed.