Expected Tahsin Mohammed but Nishan Velupillay came out of syllabus; know more about Australia's Indian origin winger

VANCOUVER: Before Tahsin Mohammed, there happened Nishan Velupillay. Amid much fanfare from Indians and Malayalees, Kannur native Tahsin remained on the bench for Qatar in yesterday’s match against Switzerland. However, another Indian origin player, Nishan, quietly appeared for Australia and became part of the winning squad.

Velupillay is one of four Indian-origin players playing in the current World Cup. This was the player's eighth appearance for the Australian national team. Australia defeated superior Turkiye (2-0) in the opening game and thus increased their chance for the qualification round.

Velupillay, who appeared eight times in a national jersey, is a product of the Melbourne Victory's academy system. Following his excellent performance in club football, the player was called up to the Australian Under-23 team. After shining there too, Nishan was selected for the senior Australian national team in 2024. The player made his international debut in a World Cup qualifier against China. Nishan, who played full-time that day, came on as a substitute and scored his first international goal within just seven minutes. The winger, who sometimes gets into the forward position, impressed coach Tony Popovic and then found his place in the World Cup squad.

Nishan Velupillay was born on 7 May 2001 in Melbourne. Nishan's mother is Gillian Velupillay, who is of Anglo-Indian descent. Their family roots are in Tamil Nadu.