KOCHI: He's not very tall, has a baby face and is a self-confessed dreamer but Sunil Chhetri is currently the hottest thing in Indian football.
The National Football League has almost always been a story of foreigners when it comes to the scoring act but this time, the 22-year-old has given many of the African and Brazilian strikers who ply their trade in the country a run for their money.
For a country which has been anxiously searching for quality strikers the last few years, young men who could step into the boots of Baichung Bhutia, the Delhi-born Chhetri has offered fresh hopes.
With 12 goals, the JCT star was fifth in the ONGC National League's goal-scorers' chart, a list that is packed with foreigners.
He was the best Indian by a big margin too. The superb performance brought him the National League's best player award and the best forward title in Gurgaon on Sunday night.
Scintillating form
Chhetri's scintillating form this season lifted JCT to a surprise runner-up position in the 10-team NFL. And many big names, including Brazilian Jose Baretto and Baichung Bhutia, were way behind the Delhi youngster in the scorers' chart. Surprisingly, at a time when coaches have been hunting for tall players to redeem Indian football, the diminutive Chhetri has remarkably risen to the occasion, against many odds, and emerged as the country's best striker.
"Sometimes, it's doesn't matter if you're short or tall. I have a good jump and it makes up nicely," said the confident young man.
"In fact, 40 to 50 per cent of my goals this season have come through headers."
His best goals, including two in JCT's 3-2 victory over NFL champion Dempo and another sparkling pair in the team's comfortable victory over Mohun Bagan — which won the Super Cup in Gurgaon on Sunday night, have come against strong opponents.
"He has good ball control, great footwork and he covers with his position nicely," said JCT's former Indian coach Sukhwinder Singh.
Artful dodger
He is quite fast too and is an artful dodger as he runs through the rival defence, often leaving it napping.
As a little boy, Chhetri was introduced to football by his dad as they kicked around at home. "Dad was in the army, so we travelled a lot, Srinagar... so many places. But my most important years were in Delhi. And my great granddad hails from Nepal."
He was quick to impress some of the country's biggest clubs. "After my 12th class, I joined Mohun Bagan and for the last two years I've been with the JCT."
Chhetri soon found his way into the Indian team
So, is he something big? Is he the striker we're all waiting for? Can he be another Bhutia?
"Too early to say or compare with players like Bhutia. But if he maintains his form and remains serious, Chhetri could be... we'll know in a season or two," said Sukhwinder.
Chhetri appeared confident too. "Brother, wait and see... and watch me."
