Overview

• He has been named in India’s 28-man squad for matches against Thailand on June 4 in Pathum Thani and Hong Kong on June 10 in Kowloon.
• A senior team call-up would make him the fourth player from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India, following Abdul Majeed Kakroo, Mehrajuddin Wadoo and Danish Farooq.
• He first appeared on the national scene as a 14-year-old ball boy during a 2019 exhibition match in Srinagar.
• He progressed through India’s U16, U19 and U23 squads and earned a contract with Mohun Bagan Super Giant for his strength and discipline.
• Bhat credits Sunil Chhetri’s mentorship at camp and Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring career as daily inspirations for his ambition.