Ramhlunchhunga, the only bright spot in otherwise dismal HFC campaign

Ramhlunchhunga's story is another reminder of the potential that young Indian players possess and the league continues to be a stage for them to shine

HYDERABAD: Even as Hyderabad FC failed to strike its wonted form to be a force to reckon with, winger Ramhlunchhunga has been brilliant with his skills throughout the league to be the shining star in an otherwise lacklustre show by former champions HFC.

Indisputably, this young footballer has emerged as one of HFC’s brightest sparks, suggesting he could be a vital piece in the club’s future. His story is another reminder of the potential that young Indian players possess and the league continues to be a stage for them to shine.

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Ramhlunchhunga’s rise to prominence has never been smooth. After joining Hyderabad FC in 2022, Ramhlunchhunga was loaned out to I-League side Sreenidi Deccan FC to continue his development. The young winger impressed during his stint, but his return to Hyderabad FC for the 2023-24 season came with its share of challenges.

Unfortunately, an injury saw this gifted player miss the initial phase of the campaign and by the time he regained match-fitness, HFC was already struggling at the bottom of the table.

Despite 16 appearances and 1058 minutes under his belt in his debut ISL season, he managed to score one of the team’s 10 goals, making a telling contribution in a season where Hyderabad FC could barely find the back of the net.

Numbers clearly don’t lie in Ramhlunchhunga’s case as he scored two goals and provided three assists this season, directly contributing to five of HFC’s 21 goals. Interestingly, his five goal contributions put him level with Allan de Souza as the team’s joint-highest goal contributor.

Importantly, Ramhlunchhunga’s tally of 41 shots is the most among Indian players in the HFC squad and only three Indian players have attempted more dribbles than him in the ISL.

For Hyderabad FC, the future is still uncertain as they remain a team in transition, searching for stability after two tough seasons. But one thing that seems increasingly clear is that Ramhlunchhunga’s journey is taking flight and his best is surely yet to come. And, it can be in tomorrow’s game too!