The swift full-back was knocking on the national team door for a long time and finally made his debut under Igor Stimac in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019. A man who can provide sensational assists, he also has the engine to run tirelessly down the flanks.

Currently the player with the most appearances in the history of the Hero ISL, Mandar Rao Dessai is a certified veteran of the game. He started his professional career with Dempo during the 2013-14 season in the Hero I-League, before switching to FC Goa in the Hero ISL. In 2019, he won the Indian Super Cup with FC Goa, but the ISL trophy continued to elude him. However, Mandar moved to Mumbai City FC for the 2020-21 season and finally accomplished his goal of lifting the coveted trophy.