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Arun Kumar has had to bide his time, and he may have to continue to do so with the influx of players at Sreenidi Deccan Football Club over the summer transfer season. But the 23-year-old midfielder has gone from shy new player to confident midfield enforcer in the space of six months, having joined up with the Deccan Warriors at the beginning of 2023.
After a string of impressive performances in the middle of the park for FC Bengaluru United in the Second Division League, Arun Kumar signed for Sreenidi Deccan FC in July 2022. In order to get more game time, he was loaned out to Sporting Club Bengaluru where he was instrumental in helping the club become champions of the Bangalore Super Division League.
“This experience was really important because it allowed me to get maximum minutes on the field, stay fit and gain more confidence so that I could be ready to play for Sreenidi Deccan after I returned,” he said. “Winning the championship was also a boost having helped the team with goals and assists. It gave me more confidence.”
Arun’s loan spell came to an end with the conclusion of the BDFA Super Division and the Tamil Nadu-born midfielder joined up with Sreenidi Deccan FC squad for the remainder of the 2022-23 I-League campaign. Although it took him some time to get up to speed with the level up in training, Arun made his professional debut for the Deccan Warriors in the 1-1 draw against ISL side Bengaluru FC in the Hero Super Cup, coming on as a substitute late on in the game.
“It was a good feeling to come into this team when I did as they were in good form and at the top of the table,” he said. “I saw each and every game and it showed me how important the team spirit was while competing for the championship.”
The 23-year-old, who idolises Andres Iniesta, has hit the ground running in pre-season, having made his presence felt in the midfield with his robust tackling and long-range passing. “We played a few practice matches against ISL teams and that gave me confidence. My personal target is to get into the starting line-up and give my best to try and win the I-League title. I am ready.”
