Sabyasachi Bagchi: The journey of highest paid Indian defender Nishu Kumar so far has been an unbelievable one. The left back from Bengaluru FC is believed to have been roped in by Kerala Blasters for a whopping price of INR 5 crore for the upcoming ISL season 2020-21. But for young Nishu, it wasn’t a smooth journey. Growing up in Muzaffarnagar, the undisputed crime capital of the country, hearing gun fire was quite common during the childhood days of Nishu Kumar. For a youngster growing up watching violence, murder and gang-war to becoming the highest paid Indian defender in ISL is definitely going to act as an inspiration for many upcoming footballers. The soft spoken footballer, who lost his father (Mangal Bahadur) when he was a child, wants to bring smiles on the face of his mother and young sister. The 23 year footballer took his time to give an interview to Xtra Time as he spoke about his early days, growing up in Muzaffarnagar, leaving behind Sandesh Jhingan, time in Bengaluru FC and his future target.
Q: How did the journey as a footballer started?
Nishu: We had a big playground in front of our village house. I used to play all sorts of games like football and cricket while growing up. I was more attracted towards football and enjoyed playing with our elders. I slowly started growing a love for the game. I got selected in Chandigarh Football Academy after giving a trial. During 2011-15 seasons, I was with AIFF Elite academy. That was the first big step for me as a professional footballer. Apart from playing a lot of domestic matches I also got exposure on away trips. And that has helped me developed my game.
Q: You hail from Muzzafarnagar, a place which is famous for crimes. How was the experience growing up in such an environment?
Nishu: You heard it right. Muzaffarnagar is definitely the country’s crime capital. I cannot really explain how dangerous the place is even today as people won’t realize. We still do not go outside alone. People in Muzaffarnagar lose their cool at petty issues. For them to commit a crime is nothing special. So, my father never used to leave me alone. Even when I used to go for training in the local ground, he used to accompany me.
Q: How does it feel to leave behind Sandesh Jhingan as the highest paid Indian defender in ISL?
Nishu: It is still like a dream. Really speaking I haven’t yet sunk in. I still cannot believe that I have left behind Sandesh Jhingan as the highest paid Indian defender whom I regard as my idol. I developed my defensive skills watching him. So, it is not fair to project that I have left behind my idol. I have happy with my success for which I would like to dedicate it to my family.
Q: Did you ever have an opportunity to get any tips from Sandesh?
Nishu: Our interactions were limited only when we were in national camps and during ISL matches. We did discuss a thing or two about defending, especially how to tackle an opponent without committing a foul.
Q: You spent five seasons in Bengaluru FC (2015-2020). What did you learn from Sunil Chhetri?
Nishu: Sunil (bhai) is a role model for all of us. His work ethics and fitness regime is something every youngster should follow. Although he enjoys the status of a legend, he is like an elder brother to me. I didn’t take my football seriously during the first couple of seasons in Bengaluru. It was he (Sunil) who inspired me to change my way of thinking.
Q: What is your next target?
Nishu: I want to cement my place in the national team. I have only played one match for India. It was against Jordan. But I do not have happy memory as we ended up losing the match 1-2 in spite of me scoring a goal on debut. My target will be to play for India for a long time. This is what I am aiming for.