Harmanjot Singh Khabra - Chennaiyin FC's midfield engine
With almost two seasons of the Indian Super League done, there is enough evidence on which certain conclusions can be based upon. One thing for certain is that there is a consensus among the Indian players playing in the league, that the interaction with certain legendary players and other top foreign players has only made their game a whole lot better.
Utility Player
Specific to Chennaiyin FC, on the evidence of the 27 games that the club has played since the inception of the league, one can certainly call Harmanjot Singh Khabra their Mr. Versatile. In 2014, Khabra played across the midfield and at either fullback position as well. He adapted well to any role, playing his part with utmost elan on most occasions.
It is this ability to adapt that has endeared Khabra to manager Marco Materazzi. It would be safe to say that when he has been available, Khabra would have definitely been among the first name on Marco Materazzi’s team sheet.
There have been challenges, as the 26-year old would acknowledge himself. Over the course of the ISL, Khabra has played in midfield alongside the likes of Materazzi and Elano, who are well past their physical prime, and don’t necessarily possess the legs anymore. It has been evident that he has compensated for their lack of legs in midfield.
It is easy to see that the dirty work Khabra does ensure that the likes of Elano, Bruno Pelissari and Stiven Mendoza have been able to express themselves. He has always maintained that his role is very important to him and that he would help his team in any way possible.
Khabra was an ever-present in Chennaiyin’s midfield last year alongside Denson Devadas, and this year, he has played a lot alongside the Brazilian, Raphael Augusto. The Indian says he enjoys Augusto’s company alongside him.
“Raphael is a very good player who is very capable going forward. So when he goes into attacks, it is my job to sit back and guard against the counter attack. We have a very good understanding, and we keep helping each other,” Khabra said.