Kerala Blasters have decided to bring back jersey number 21, which they had retired in honour of Sandesh Jhingan, when he parted ways with the club in 2020, after a six-year association with the club.
The star centre-back and India international had joined Kerala Blasters in the inaugural Indian Super League season in 2014, and made 76 appearances for the club. Known as ‘The Wall’, Jhingan, who took over as captain in 2017, became popular with the fans and die-hard supporters, also called ‘Manjappada’ (yellow brigade) in Kerala.
Jhingan currently plies his trade with ATK Mohun Bagan.
The famous jersey will be worn by defender Bijoy Varghese next season, after he extended the contract with the Blasters today, till 2025. Bijoy, 22, became part of Kerala Blasters FC’s reserve team in the Kerala Premier League, in 2021. His consistent performances in the KPL earned him a call up to the senior team camp. He made his debut for the club’s senior team during the Durand Cup 2021 and played five matches during the ISL season.
Though the club did not give any reason for bringing back the number 21 jersey, netizens believe Jhingan's sexist remark after a Kerala Blasters-ATK Mohun Bagan match last season might have been a major factor.
In a now-deleted video shared on the ATK Mohun Bagan's Instagram page after 2-2 draw, he was heard saying, “Aurato ke saath match khel aaya hoon, aurato ke saath!" (I have played a match with women).
The video triggered social media outrage, and football fans called out Jhingan for the ‘shameful’ comment. Fans had demanded that Kerala Blasters bring back the retired jersey number 21.
Jhingan had later apologised on Twitter. “When you are so driven to win all points for your team, it’s disappointing when you finish with just one. In the heat of the moment, we say a lot of things, and what’s being circulated should be seen in the same perspective.” He also added that the comment was not intended towards Kerala Blasters. “First things first. The comment was not intended towards Kerala Blasters FC. I have always respected every opponent, and I have a lot of friends at the club. I’d never disrespect the club especially when I have given my blood and sweat for them.”
The All India Football Federation had issued a stern warning to Jhingan for his remarks.
