Feels amazing to make a difference for the national team: Farukh Choudhary

Farukh Choudhary’s resurgence has been one of the standout stories of the season. The forward has already scored twice in the Indian Super League (ISL) and netted a vital equalizer in India’s international friendly against Vietnam.

Sidelined for a year after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2021, Choudhary struggled to regain his form during the 2022-23 season.

After joining Chennaiyin FC, he showed glimpses of his former brilliance under Owen Coyle, though his attacking returns were limited. This season, however, his resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning him a call-up from head coach Manolo Márquez for the Vietnam friendly.

"It feels really good personally. I wasn't part of the national team for so long. I was giving my best at club level. And to be back and make a difference here feels amazing," Choudhary told aiff.com.

It had been nearly three years since Farukh Choudhary’s last appearance for India in the SAFF Championship against Nepal, and the long wait was finally over. Seizing the opportunity to return to the national team, Choudhary made an immediate impact.

Not only did he earn a spot in the starting lineup, but he also scored India’s first goal under Manolo Márquez as the Blue Tigers played out a 1-1 draw in Nam Định.

"I was working towards my comeback. I always knew that eventually I would make it to the national team again," he said.

"And when I say that I knew I would make it, it's not out of arrogance. It was the belief. I knew if I perform in ISL, I'd get a call-up for the camp. And then when I join the camp, it's up to me to make a place in the first eleven, the forward added.

Physiotherapist Gigy George played a crucial role in Choudhary’s recovery from injury. After scoring in his comeback game against Vietnam, he dedicated his goal to George and his teammates, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his rehabilitation.

"Gigy sir has supported me a lot. I had promised him that whenever I score a goal, I'll come to you. But obviously, we were chasing the game and after the equaliser, wanted to restart quicker, so I didn't have time to go to the bench but I pointed there to my teammates, Aakash (Sangwan), Nikhil (Poojary), Rahul (Bheke), all these guys, and specially Gigy sir," Choudhary said.