‘Rehabilitation was very painful’
Right-back Bishwanath Ghosh, once a key attacking outlet for the Bangladesh national team, spent nearly one-and-a-half years out after suffering a knee injury during a FIFA friendly against Bhutan on September 3, 2024. The 26-year-old, who has 44 international caps, has now recovered from a lateral meniscus cartilage injury and returned to the preliminary squad for upcoming fixtures against Vietnam and Singapore. In an interview with The Daily Star’s Anisur Rahman, Bishwanath spoke about his gruelling rehabilitation, the uncertainty surrounding his comeback, and the resolve it took to push for a place in the final 23. Excerpts follow:
The Daily Star (DS): How does it feel to return to the national team setup after such a long injury layoff?
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Bishwanath Ghosh (BG): To be honest, it feels like the first time I was called up. After 17 to 18 months out, everything feels new, and it feels really good to be back. I had been waiting a long time to get back on the field.
DS: Did you ever fear you might not return?
BG: Yes. Being away for so long made me feel, at times, that I might not come back. I had knee surgery in Thailand in mid-December 2024, with support from Bashundhara Kings, and was bedridden for three months, moving only with crutches. Later, I started light exercises at home and then swimming, where someone had to help me in and out of the pool. The rehabilitation was very painful, and I kept counting the days to return. At times, frustration took over, but my wife supported me immensely. Physio Sufian bhai, doctor Tushar bhai, my younger brothers Saikat and Moyeen, and even ball boy Maruf helped me a lot through that phase. Finally, I am grateful for the grace of God.
DS: In your first league appearance this season, what did those four minutes against Abahani in December last year mean to you?
BG: Coach Mario and trainer Khalil told me I was ready and that I would get a chance against Abahani. Before matchday, we usually pray as a team, and then the 23-member squad is announced. I was eagerly waiting for that moment. When the list was delayed, I even called my wife to ask why it had not been released yet. When I finally saw my name, I felt a deep sense of peace -- something I cannot describe in words. I was also nervous before the match, but once I stepped onto the pitch for the warm-up, the support from teammates, coaches, and spectators helped me overcome that nervousness.
DS: How are you approaching this comeback?
BG: My main goal is to become a regular player for my club. If you perform consistently at club level, the national call will come. In football, name doesn’t matter -- you have to prove yourself through performance.
DS: What difference have players like Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome made?
BG: During my recovery, I watched matches and hoped to return -- it was a difficult feeling. I don’t think one or two players can change everything. Our team was good before and is still good now with players like Hamza and Shamit. But earlier, we lacked leadership on the pitch. Since Hamza joined, he has brought that -- controlling the game and helping the team gel.
DS: Are you excited to share the dressing room with Hamza and Shamit?
BG: Not thinking of that right now. My focus is on earning a place in the final 23. The competition is very tough, and I know I have to perform.
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