ISL 2025/26: No Emotions Against Former Club, Focus Is on Winning for Ashique Kuruniyan

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Ahead of the upcoming clash between Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Bengaluru winger Ashique Kuruniyan spoke to the media about facing his former club, the team’s preparation, and the atmosphere in the dressing room. Below are excerpts from the interaction in a question–answer format.
Question: You previously played for Mohun Bagan. How are you looking forward to playing against your former club?
Ashique Kuruniyan:
It is the same as any other match. Every match is important. It doesn’t matter which team we are playing against. Our focus is to do well and win the game.
Question: You scored the winner in the last match. How should Bengaluru FC approach this game mentally and physically?
Ashique Kuruniyan:
Like the coach said, it’s 11 versus 11. We always try to give our best and we will do the same again. We have to stick to our plan just like in every match. If we win, we get only three points, so the most important thing is to follow the plan and perform well.
Question: Since you played with many Mohun Bagan players earlier, will the match be emotional for you?
Ashique Kuruniyan:
They are all my friends and I love that club. But I also love this club because I am playing for Bengaluru FC now. On the field there is nothing emotional. Even if your father is playing against you, you still go for the tackle 100 percent.
Question: You scored in the last game and this is a home match. Do you feel extra pressure to score again?
Ashique Kuruniyan:
No, there is no pressure. We just focus on how we can follow the plan and give 100 percent. If everyone gives their best and does what the coach asks, there will be no pressure.
Question: You had an earlier stint at Bengaluru FC, then played for Mohun Bagan and won several trophies before returning. Has your role in the team changed now that you are more experienced?
Ashique Kuruniyan:
Football is always about learning. Even if you play 50, 100 or 200 matches, you still learn something every day. Every player makes mistakes and improves. I may be a senior player now in terms of age, but we have many senior players and talented young players in the squad. It is a good mix.
Question: The team’s social media videos show a strong bond in the dressing room. How would you describe the atmosphere in the squad?
Ashique Kuruniyan:
If we win, we stay together. If we lose, we are still together. It’s not only when we win that we stay united. There is a very good bond between the senior and junior players in the team.
Summary:
For Ashique Kuruniyan, facing a former club is just another challenge on the field. The Bengaluru FC winger insists that sticking to the team’s plan, maintaining unity in the dressing room, and giving 100 percent effort remain the key priorities.