Nishu Kumar
Nishu Kumar is an Indian professional football player, who plays as a full back for Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters and the Indian national football team.
Career
Youth career : 2009–2015
Nishu Kumar began his career with Chandigarh Football Academy. In 2011, he was selected for AIFF Elite Academy as a part of Tata Tea & Inter Milan Soccer Stars talent hunt. He went on to represent India national under-20 football team at 2016 AFC U-19 Championship qualification.Bengaluru FC : 2015–2020
On 17 November 2015, Nishu Kumar was signed by Bengaluru along with two fellow AIFF Elite Academy cadets, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Malsawmzuala, in two years deal with an option to extend for one more year. He represented the club at 2015–16 Bangalore Super Division. Nishu made his debut for the club in 2016 AFC Cup against Ayeyawady United on 13 April 2016, which Bengaluru FC won 5–3. He made his league debut against Mohun Bagan in the final game of the season on 23 April 2016, Bengaluru lost the game for 5–0.In 2020 there were reports that Nishu Kumar will be leaving the club at the end of 2019–20 Season.He rejected a contract extension from the club and finally decided to leave the club.In his five seasons at Bengaluru FC, Nishu made 55 appearances and scored two goals and played a vital role in the success the club had over the years.Kerala Blasters : 2020-Present
On 22 July 2020 it was finally confirmed that Nishu has finalised his move to Kerala Blasters.The 4 year deal with the Blasters made Nishu Kumar the highest paid Indian defender surprassing the record of Sandesh Jhingan.International
Nishu first represented India at the under-19 level and played for India U19 in AFC U19 Championship Qualifiers in Palestine. In June 2017, Nishu called for 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers camp for game against Kyrgyzstan. In July 2017, Nishu represented India U-23 in AFC U23 Championship Qualifiers which was held in Qatar.Nishu Kumar made his senior international debut against Jordan at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman on 18 November 2018. He scored India's sole goal in the second half in a 2–1 loss.
Career statistics
Club
Statistics accurate as of 25 March 2020International
Statistics accurate as of 18 July 2020International goals
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1. | 17 November 2018 | King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan | 1–2 | 1–2 | Friendly |
Honours
Club
;Bengaluru FC- Super Cup: 2018
- Indian Super League: 2018–19