As a child he played at the Madhyapur Football Club. His elder brother Bal Gopal Sahukhala is also a professional footballer. He started playing football as an eight-year old and represented his school in several school-level tournaments. He had started out as a defender before his coach at Madhyapur football club changed his position to striker.
Coach Graham Roberts dropped him from the national team for the qualifiers against Timor Leste on disciplinary grounds. He was not present for practice despite calls, and had previously "violated the team norms" during the AFC Challenge Cup.
Reconciliation in national team
Santosh was picked for the next round of qualifications against Jordan and provided an assist for the home leg equalizer.