Akhil Rawat
AIFF Media Team
KOLKATA: Sudeva Delhi FC named an all-Indian squad for their Hero I-League debut season in 2020/21. Continuing the tradition, the capital-based club has once again opted for a fully domestic contingent. Developing young Indian players is one of the core philosophies of Sudeva Delhi, as highlighted by head coach Wadoo in the past.
The team delivered competitive performances and finished in a decent eighth position in the table last season. Youngsters like Sairuat Kima, Lalliansanga Renthlei, William Pauliankhum, Shaiborlang Kharpan and Shubho Paul were instrumental last year and will don the Sudeva shirt once again this season.
Over the summer, Sudeva lost a number of their key players as well, including Kean Lewis, Rakshit Dagar, Gursimrat Gill, Pintu Mahata, Naorem Mahesh Singh and Akashdeep Singh Kahlon. The club announced some major signings as replacements in a bid to better their results from last season, and challenge for the championship round of the Hero I-League.
Here’s a list of a few significant additions made by the Delhi-based side for the 2021/22 Hero I-League:
Akbar Khan: The 22-year-old midfielder will be pulling the strings for Sudeva Delhi this season after debuting in the Hero I-League for Neroca FC last year. The Manipuri impressed with his passing accuracy and solid tackling for the Imphal-based team. He will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the Sudeva midfield this season.
Souvik Das: A Hero I-League champion with Minerva Punjab, Souvik adds plenty of experience to the Sudeva Delhi ranks for the season. The Kolkata-born full-back has played over 50 matches in the I-League and represented RoundGlass Punjab last year. He can also line up in midfield and is known for his crossing and passing accuracy.
Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak: Zuidika was another Hero I-League debutant who was splendid last season with Aizawl FC. The 23-year-old defender can easily play as either a centre-back or a right-back. His concentration on the ball and quality interceptions make him a fine signing for Sudeva Delhi.
Chesterpoul Lyngdoh: Wide midfielder Lyngdoh is a greatly experienced player for his age. At only 24, the Meghalayan has already made 46 appearances in five Hero I-League seasons. He has played for Real Kashmir, Churchill Brothers and most recently, for Ryntih SC in the I-League Qualifiers. In a Sudeva team full of youngsters, a player like Lyngdoh could be indispensable.
Pradison Mariyadasan: The 23-year-old centre-back is another young inclusion in the Sudeva backline. The Kanyakumari-born Mariyadasan was a part of former Hero I-League champions Chennai City for the last two seasons. He is a good tackler and an agile defender.
Lalawmpuia: The 22-year-old is a top prospect and arrives on loan from Hyderabad FC. The striker made his Indian Super League debut last season and has previously played for the youth teams of FC Goa, DSK Shivajians and Pune FC. A natural finisher, Lalawmpuia could be one of the most exciting young forwards in the Hero I-League this season.
