As the team lifted the ISL Cup last season, Vikram was named the Emerging Player of the Season and he is also a part of the senior national team now. Having joined the club in 2020, Vikram\u2019s career has seen a gradual upward trajectory, but he is earmarking bigger goals to scale in the years to come.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere are a lot of goals that I want to achieve in the ISL. I want to be the top-scorer and win the Golden Boot in the league, something that no Indian has done so far. I hope that in the next few years, I become that player,\u201d Vikram said in the latest episode of \u2018In The Stands.\u2019<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Vikram arguably had a breakout run in the previous campaign, recording double-digit goal contributions with eight strikes and four assists in 23 games. It was important since talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri announced international retirement earlier this year and it opened up a gaping hole in the national team\u2019s frontline.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Vikram responded to comparisons between him and Chhetri by shrugging aside any such suggestions and instead revealing that he has learned elements from the Bengaluru FC striker\u2019s playbook.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNo, I want to be myself only. Sunil bhai\u2019s achievements are unprecedented. It\u2019s second to none. At a very high level, he has achieved a lot of things. So, I just want to focus on my goals at the moment. Longevity is the most important thing to reach that level. There needs to be a great focus on our diet, discipline. If I focus on all those aspects from right now onwards, then maybe I will be able to play for as long as Sunil bhai has been playing, and reach the heights that I dream to,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Prior to Mumbai City FC, Vikram had a brief spell with the Indian Arrows. Though his stint with the team was to help him get competitive playing time whilst growing as a player, it simultaneously harnessed the desire for a winning mentality within the striker that prompted him to switch to the Islanders.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere were offers from other clubs. I was at the Indian Arrows earlier, which was more of a developmental phase. But I wanted to win once I stepped into the ISL and Mumbai City FC were tying up with the City Football Group (CFG) at that time, which was a big thing, so I thought that the team would do well, and since I wanted to win, I joined the team. I remember my first goal, which was against Mohun Bagan. It was in fact my first start in the league also,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lastly, on the topic of international exposure, Vikram\u2019s one big objective is to represent India in the FIFA World Cup. He expressed absolute confidence in the Blue Tigers reaching that stage at some point, and highlighted his strong desire to be a part of the squad whenever that happens.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFrom the start, I have always wanted to play in the FIFA World Cup. At some point, I want to see our Indian team participate in the World Cup. I am sure we will do that one day, but I wish to be a part of the team when that happens,\u201d Vikram signed off.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lastly, on the topic of international exposure, Vikram\u2019s one big objective is to represent India in the FIFA World Cup. He expressed absolute confidence in the Blue Tigers reaching that stage at some point, and highlighted his strong desire to be a part of the squad whenever that happens.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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