Nikhil Barla and Mohammed Sanan

KOLKATA: Mohammed Sanan, who played for Jamshedpur FC, had an exceptional last season as the team reached the semifinals of the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs and the Super Cup final. His performance earned him a call-up to the India U-23 side for friendlies against Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic. However, like many footballers in the country, Sanan now faces uncertainty due to the postponed ISL season, which has left players anxious about their future. Sanan expressed his concerns, stating, "I am worried, yes. We don't do anything other than playing football, and if we can't play, we'll be jobless and sitting at home." Not only Sanan but also Nikhil Barla, his teammate from the U23 side, shares similar sentiments. Barla mentioned, "The current situation in Indian football is unsettling for players. The uncertainty affects our mentality as we are unsure about the future." The ongoing crisis has also impacted Barla's performance on the field. He emphasized, "Our confidence and performance are affected because our football career determines our future. If it stops, it will be a crisis for players." Despite the challenges, both players find solace in playing under Khalid Jamil, who recently took charge of the Indian men's senior national team. Sanan praised Jamil's dedication, calling him a hard-working coach who constantly engages with the players. Looking ahead, Barla is focused on JFC's upcoming game against 1 Ladakh FC, which marks Jamil's debut as the India coach. While the spotlight will be on Jamil, Barla remains composed, stating, "It will be like any other match, and our mentality will remain the same." As Jamil aims for victory in the tournament, the players hope to deliver an impressive performance against the newcomers from Ladakh.