Ishan Pandita: Kerala Blasters' new striker has high hopes for new season

Kochi: 'Manjapada,' 'Adipoli,' and 'Cheta' are three Malayalam words that footballers TP Rehenesh and KP Rahul have taught young footballer Ishan Pandita, the latest addition to the Kerala Blasters team. 

Ishan was born in India but grew up playing football in the Philippines and Spain. The striker has arrived in Kochi after a string of impressive performances with Spanish youth league teams.

Expectations are sky-high. Ishan is excited to play for Blasters, one of the most loved teams in the ISL. “The fans of Kerala Blasters are superb. I am thrilled, and so are my family and friends. Coach Ivan Vukomanovic has clearly communicated about my role in the team, and I will try to play positive football,” says Ishan. 

When asked about being dubbed a super sub, Ishan stated that he "wouldn't want to restrict himself to that role." By expressing his desire to play in the starting lineup, the star footballer pointed out that scoring early goals and putting the team in front remains his top priority." 

Currently, Ishan is undergoing treatment for an injury in Bangalore, along with his new teammate Sourav Mondal.

Ishan is a big-time fan of the English Premier League team Liverpool. Luis Suarez is his favourite footballer, besides Fernando Torres and Benzema.  

During the conversation, Ishan also reminisced his childhood memories of visiting a houseboat in Alappuzha and consuming the popular fish --Pearl Spot(Karimeen).