Akhil Rawat
AIFF Media Team

SHILLONG: First call-up, first cap and first start. The last few days have been nothing short of a dream for Ayush Chhetri. The 21-year-old did not expect to start, let alone play the full 90 minutes against Maldives. There are no debuts without nerves, and it wasn't any different for Ayush. But as soon as he stepped on the pitch and the whistle blew, the green pitch of Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium felt like home.

"I was surprised to start. In training, coach Manolo told me to be ready and said I might start the game. He told me that I'm better than all Maldives players," the defensive midfielder told the-aiff.com.

"Of course, I was a bit nervous before the game. I'm usually a quiet person before kick-off. But when the match got underway, I felt very comfortable and confident," said the third youngest player in the Indian squad currently.

The comfort was so evident in Ayush's performance that it was difficult to believe the youngster was featuring in his first national team match. A composed fulcrum in midfield, he threaded key passes left, right and centre, read the game well and deservedly played the full 90 minutes.

"It was an unforgettable night for me. A childhood dream to play for the senior national team came true. I video-called my parents after the game and they were so happy for me. My grandfather almost cried. My family has supported me in everything. I dedicate this match to them, and I would also like to thank all the Nepali people in Mizoram," Ayush shared.

The seeds of the dream were sown in Aizawl, a city that lives and breathes football. From making his I-League debut at 17 to representing the nation at 21, Ayush's journey is already an inspiring one.

"I was born in Aizawl. After the 10th class, I went for trials at Aizawl FC's under-15 team and got selected there. A year later, I got promoted to the under 18s and the next year, I was included in the senior team. I made my professional debut in the I-League for Aizawl FC at the age of 17 in the 2020-21 season."

Two seasons later, FC Goa came calling. The Gaurs saw plenty of potential to extract in the young man. Life is a lot different on the West Coast, but Ayush, who is equally calm and composed off the pitch as he is on it, can adjust anywhere.

His first selection in a national team was for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2023, where he debuted against the UAE under Clifford Miranda. A few days later, Ayush participated in the Asian Games as Igor Štimac handed him two starts against China and Bangladesh.

But the senior team call-up was the ultimate target and it eventually arrived 18 months later. Ayush also revealed how he got the news.

"I had booked my flight ticket to go back home to Aizawl after the end of the ISL regular season, but coach Manolo told me not to book the return ticket to Goa yet. Then our FC Goa team manager informed me that I was on the national team list, and I was surprised. With a lot of excitement, I forwarded the list to our family WhatsApp group. They were all very happy for me.

"I want to keep playing as many matches as possible for the national team and help our country reach higher. I have a lot of things to improve, like my speed and strength. The national team is different from the club because here we don't have much time to adjust. We have to adapt to what the coach wants. It's a bit easier for me since Manolo is also FC Goa's coach. Also, the senior players help me a lot. (Sunil) Chhetri bhai told me to play simple and enjoy the game," added Ayush, who will now hope to make his competitive debut as India take on Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers on March 25.