Kochi: In a move aimed at bolstering their attacking prowess, Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC has successfully secured the services of Indian national team forward Ishan Pandita. The 25-year-old sensation has inked a two-year contract that will see him don the yellow jersey until the culmination of the 2024–25 season. The club has announced this through their official page on social media.
Pandita’s journey through the football landscape has been nothing short of inspiring. Starting his career in the BDCA Division A state league in Bengaluru, he caught the eye of scouts with his remarkable talent and skill. At the tender age of 16, in 2014, Pandita embarked on a journey to Spain, where he joined the youth ranks of Alcobendas. This marked the beginning of his adventure on foreign shores, as he went on to represent youth teams affiliated with esteemed La Liga clubs Almeria and CD Leganes.
Pandita returned to India in 2020, donning the FC Goa jersey. During his time with the Goa outfit, he left an indelible mark by notching up four goals in just 11 ISL appearances. Remarkably, all of his goals came during crucial junctures, either securing game-winning moments or salvaging vital ties for his team. Subsequently, he spent two successful years with Jamshedpur FC, a tenure that culminated with the team clinching the ISL Shield in 2022.
Pandita’s contributions on the field have been pivotal in various competitions, amassing over 50 appearances and netting 10 goals across the ISL, Super Cup, and AFC Champions League. His performances did not go unnoticed, as he received a maiden call-up to the Indian national team in 2021. Since then, he has become a regular face among the Blue Tigers, consistently showcasing his skills and commitment to the game.
Karolis Skinkys, the Sporting Director of Kerala Blasters FC, expressed his confidence in Pandita’s abilities. “Ishan is someone who we believe has the ability to impact the game with his presence and physicality and change the course of any contest. The timing now is correct as we aim to compete for titles, and for this, we need players with mentality and hunger like Ishan’s. He has to continue working hard, and success will follow. I wish him the best of luck on the signing,” Skinkys stated, according to an ISL release.
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