Ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL) auctions, Royal Wahingdoh sensation Jackichand Singh has said it will be a privilege for him if he gets picked by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar to play for Kerala Blasters in ISL 2015.
Jackichand – along with other Indian stars such as Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and others – goes under the hammer on 10 July to be picked by any one the eight ISL franchisees.
Stamped a base price of Rs 20 lakh along with his Wahingdoh teammate Seityasen Singh, Jackichand said he would be proud of playing for Tendulkar's team.
"Oh yes! It will be my privilege if I get picked by Sachin Tendulkar and Kerala Blasters for the #HeroISL. :)"
At the same time, Jackichand doesn't have any preference as such.
"No preferences! I'll give my all for any #HeroISL club that picks me in the upcoming auction," the 23-year-old Manipur lad said via ISL's official twitter feed.
Jackichand won the I-League 2014-15 Best Player of the Season award for a remarkable domestic season where he guided the Royals to the No. 3 position in the I-League.
For his eight goals from 22 appearances last season, Jackichand received rave reviews and the eight ISL sides are likely to battle it out among themselves to secure his prized signature.
His performance earned him a senior national team call earlier this year under coach Stephen Constantine and in his own words, "My national team debut vs Nepal in Guwahati [on 12 March] was my proudest moment so far! It was wonderful to represent India."
On being asked about his strength on-field, the winger, who prefers playing in the left flank, said, "My speed and ability to dribble past defenders! These are my biggest strength on the field."
The Lionel Messi admirer now has to wait a few more days to learn which side he has been picked by for ISL 2015,. But did he keep a tab on the lucrative league in the previous edition?
"Yes I watched ISL season 1, and I was impressed by Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa. [My favourite players have been Chennaiyin FC duo] Elano and Stiven Mendoza."
Jackichand is believed to be taking his impressive form to the Indian Super League and whichever franchisee picks him up, will have that extra zing in their squad. After all, he doesn't sport a very common name!
"My parents are big fans of Jackie Chan, and wanted me to be as famous as him! That's how I got my name! :)" Jackichand added.
