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The league stage of the first season of eISL is all set to conclude today, 13 March 2022, with its final three matches. The Grand Finals of the tournament are scheduled to be held on 14, 19, and 20 March 2022.
Chennaiyin FC is one the four teams to have qualified for the Grand Finals of eISL 2021. In conversation with Sportskeeda Esports’ Debolina Banerjee, Navin Haridoss of Chennaiyin FC, talks about eISL, his journey in the FIFA competitive scenario, his hopes of taking part in the 2022 Asian Games, and more.
Chennaiyin FC's Navin opens up about his start in esports, eISL experience, chemistry with Saransh Jain and more
Q. Tell us about your journey in the competitive world of FIFA. When did you start playing the game and what inspired you to play it professionally?
Navin: I started playing FIFA in 2010 and back then I used to play with my brother. Eventually, I started playing it competitively in 2017. When I played my first LAN event, I was able to reach the finals and that gave me a lot of confidence and motivation to play FIFA professionally.
Q. Compared to battle royale games, the competitive scenario of FIFA is not really followed by the public. Why do you think that is the case? Do you feel that sports games get enough attention in the country?
Navin: I feel sports games do not get enough attention and the reason behind it is that most people are into shooting games like PUBG, Call of Duty, etc. The games that are played more will obviously be followed more also. Most FIFA players will be football fans and not common gamers, hence the competitive scenario is more in other games compared to football games.
Q. FIFA is one of the medal events in the 2022 Asian Games. Do you have any plans to take part in it? Do you think that esports as a profession will now be taken seriously due to its inclusion?
Navin: Yes, I will try my best to qualify for the 2022 Asian Games.
Esports as a profession will now be taken very seriously as its reach will be very high. The public will come to learn more about esports and the community will strengthen.
Q. Since formation plays an important aspect in FIFA matches, what is your go-to formation? How do you decide on changing your formations if the situation calls for it?
Navin: My go-to formation in this FIFA is 4-4-2. The reason behind it is that it gives a lot of balance to the team. The defense is solid in the 4-4-2 formation and I feel that in FIFA 22, you need wingers to add variation to your game.
I usually never change formation and trust my basics. The only situation when I change is if I am a goal down, even after 75 minutes.
Q. Do you feel that eISL helped in popularizing FIFA as esports in India? What has the experience of representing Chennaiyin FC been like?
Navin: Definitely! The prize pool of eISL has attracted many causal gamers and now I feel more people want to play competitive FIFA. I feel eISL will be the benchmark for growth of esports in India.
I feel proud to represent Chennaiyin FC because I think we have one of the greatest fan followings. The support that the fans have shown is truly amazing.
Q. Since you play alongside your teammate Saransh Jain in eISL, how do you ensure that proper synergy is maintained while playing co-op matches in the tournament?
Navin: We have really good chemistry as our game style is very similar when it comes to defense. Both of us like to press forward a lot and I feel that’s a very big plus for us in co-op matches. At the time of the attack, our communication is very good as well. We know what to do and it all boils down to the execution.
Q. Out of the four teams in the Grand Finals, which ones do you consider to be the toughest competitors?
Navin: The toughest competitors I feel are Mumbai FC and SC East Bengal because both teams are very strong in their co-op matches and are very unpredictable in their 1v1 games. Moreover, I feel the four players are very strong when it comes to defending.
Q. Do you have any plans on representing India on a global platform? Do you think FIFA Global Series is the best tournament to do so?
Navin: Yes, I would love to represent India on a global platform! FIFA Global Series is the biggest tournament in FIFA and every pro player would love to take part in it. Winning the FIFA Global Series will be one of the biggest achievements.
Q. Since EA Sports comes up with different versions of FIFA every year, which version has been your favorite so far?
Navin: I do not have a particular version that I would say is my favorite. If the game is balanced and if it rewards players who play manually more, without the help of AI, it will be the best version for me.
Q. What is your message to the fans who are hoping for Chennaiyin FC’s win in the Grand Finals?
Navin: Since we have already qualified for the Grand Finals, I ask the fans to keep supporting us the same way they have been doing from the start. We will surely make them proud!
