Defender Jhingan joins DSK

DSK Shivajians Football Club have signed defender Sandesh Jhingan on loan from Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters till the end of the current I-League season.

Jhingan arrived at the DSK International Campus last week where he underwent pre-competition medical assessment.

Jhingan started his youth career at St. Stephen's Football Academy, where he helped his team reach the South-East Asian Finals of the Manchester United Premier Cup. The Chandigarh-born India international also represented his hometown in the BC Roy Trophy -- the national U-19 tournament.

He signed his first professional contract with United Sikkim, who he represented in the second Division I-League during the 2012-13 season. At United Sikkim, Jhingan graced the field with the likes of Baichung Bhutia and Renedy Singh. The following season (2013-14), he joined Rangdajied United, but midway through the season, he switched alliance to Mumbai FC.

In mid-2014, he was selected by Kerala Blasters in the second round of the ISL draft. He played an important part in Kerala Blasters' inaugural ISL campaign, which led to him being named as the 'Emerging Player of the Year' at the end of the tournament.

Following the completion of the first ISL season, Jhingan joined Sporting Club de Goa on loan, where he participated in the I-League, and helped his team avoid relegation. On completion of his loan, he returned to Kerala Blasters for his second season in the ISL.

The left-back has represented the senior India team seven times, and has turned out six times for the national Under-23 team.

"Sandesh is a proven talent and he has plenty of top level experience for his age. It will be good to have him in the squad where we have quite a lot of young players, who look forward to learn from the experienced lot. I'm certain that he will have a positive impact on our I-League campaign," DSK Shivajians president Shirish Kulkarni said in a statement.