Prabhsukhan Gill was an unused substitute when India made their FIFA U-17 World Cup debut on home soil in 2017.

After a stint with Indian Arrows in the I-League, the imposing goalkeeper joined Bengaluru FC in 2019. But there too he only managed two appearances, one in the AFC Cup and the second in the Indian Super League (ISL). Looking for more playing time, he moved to Kerala Blasters, but his first season was unforgettable – his stat card showed zero appearances. But his patience paid off this season as he replaced Albino Gomes and led the club to their first final in six years.

Prabhsukhan, 21, has kept seven clean sheets – the most of any Kerala Blasters goalkeeper in a single season, and was rewarded with the Golden Glove award.

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His brother Gursimrat Singh Gill, who represents ATK Mohun Bagan, says: “For him, it’s all about the vibe – he lives from the vibe. He called me every other day last season and told me he wasn’t getting the vibes. Uski vibe galat nahi hoti (its vibrations are never wrong). He knew he wouldn’t play last season, but he had no doubts this year. He told me that he might not start the season but that he would finish it. He had that vibe.

“He is desperate at times, but his patience surpasses that. He puts in so much work that he expects things to happen this soon. He had only played two games in two seasons, but he never doubted himself. Doubt is what kills you,” adds Gursimrat.

“He will surpass you in everything. He’s the hardest working guy I’ve seen. I’ve seen him work like that even when we’re at home. I will sometimes be absent when I come home during the offseason, but it’s not like that for him. He still wants to play. »

Gursimrat recalls how Prabhsukhan, who started as a centre-back, was convinced to put on the gloves. Both were training at Chandigarh Football Academy and there were no goalkeepers in Prabhsukhan’s U-10 squad. “Our coach Harjinder called me and said that Prabhsukhan has a good height and the goalkeeper role might be good for him.”

Prabhsukhan was unconvinced at first but reluctantly agreed. He was voted best goalkeeper of his first tournament and received a pair of Nike boots, which spurred him on. “Half the game he used to whisper ball of rabba na ave ball of rabba na ave (oh my god, please don’t let the ball come my way). Every time the ball came to him, he would catch the easy balls or just volleyball and hit them,” says Gursimrat.

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He then graduated to India’s age group squads and sealed his place in India’s U-17 World Cup squad and then Bengaluru FC. “I wanted him at Bengaluru FC because Gurpreet was there. Gurpreet was a good influence on Prabhsukhan. He took very good care of him and shared a room with him during away games and guided him,” says Gursimrat, who was also with Bengaluru that season.

Three years after his spell at Bengaluru, Prabhsukhan again shared the dressing room with Gurpreet as he was called up to the Indian national team for the friendlies against Bahrain and Belarus. India coach Igor Stimac has called Prabhsukhan based on his superb ISL campaign.

Serbian Kerala Blasters goalkeeping coach Slaven Progovecki has named Prabhsukhan as one for the future. “I’m very impressed with Gill; he has a strong head and a great desire for success. When Albino got injured, Gill was ready. I told him to trust himself. Much is expected of Gill in the coming seasons and there is still plenty of room for improvement,” he said.

Prabhsukhan would take Progovecki with him to receive the Golden Glove award after the ISL final on March 20.

Prabhsukhan has created more than just an impact this season and will be looking for more success when he returns for the Kerala Blasters’ next campaign.