Jeje: ‘Sunil bhai and I complement each other’

Ahead of the Hero Intercontinental Cup preparatory camp in Mumbai, India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua talks the importance of delivering as a unit.

India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is also a part of Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League.

India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, who has been in dream form at the domestic and international level, feels his partnership with Sunil Chhetri brings the best out of him.

Ahead of the Hero Intercontinental Cup preparatory camp in Mumbai, the Mizo striker said, “Sunil

bhai is the most senior among us and he leads us by example. But, what I would like to say is that that we work cohesively as a complete unit. We complement each other on the field to get the job done.”

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“It’s not only me and him. Balwant (Singh), Alen (Deory), Manvir (Singh) are all ready to give it a shot. We all are confident to shoulder the responsibility and deliver once the situation demands,” added Lalpekhlua, who is three games short of 50 international caps for India.

Since his international debut in 2011, Lalpekhlua had many ups and downs. “It has been a long journey for me. I have learnt so many things. I was going through a rough phase after the knee injury. I was struggling and was hardly getting an opportunity to prove myself.

“As a striker, you need to grab the opportunity and also need the backing of your coach. That helps you improve as a player and gives you the confidence,” he said.

India will meet Chinese Taipei in the tournament opener at the Mumbai Football Arena on June 1.