Skipper gurpreet

Skipper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: India’s defensive stalwart Sandesh Jinghan, who was sidelined with injury since January, was named in the 26-man probables list for the friendly against Malaysia. Skipper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has hailed his return and compared his presence to that of Sunil Chhetri.

“For me personally I am very happy (with Jhingan’s return) because I have someone other than Amrinder (Singh) to have a conversation with because as you know the squad is pretty young and I am on the other side of the age parameter. So having someone like him who I can talk to in the dressing room makes me very happy.

‘I am also very grateful for Sandesh’s return because obviously he is a very important pillar for his club and the national team. I just hope he keeps himself healthy and helps Indian football like he has in the past. He is a very good defender and like Sunil (Chhetri) bhai, he is a once in a generation player,” Gurpreet told IANS in a virtual press conference.