Indian football has experienced a positive growth trajectory evidenced by India’s 2023 full of highs. The focus has prominently shifted towards nurturing and developing homegrown talents, marking a departure from the previous emphasis on foreign imports. The Indian Super League (ISL) has particularly reaped the benefits of these players like Lallianzuala Chhangte, Akash Mishra, Vikram Partap Singh, and Mahesh Singh showcasing their talent not only for their respective league sides but also while representing India in competitions like the SAFF Championship 2023.
Surprisingly, there is also an individual who has surpassed the achievements of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, setting a new record as the inaugural Indian in a European qualifier match. The recently concluded tournaments in 2023 further shed light on the abundance of talent in India, unveiling multiple rising stars poised to make significant contributions to the country’s football landscape as we enter the year 2024.
As we enter 2024, let us take a look at 5 youngsters who are set to dazzle in Indian Football:
Som Kumar
Som Kumar made history at just 18 by becoming the first Indian to feature in a Champions League qualifier for NK Olimpija Ljubljana. His journey began at 13 during a U15 summer tournament in Italy, where he started as the fourth goalkeeper for India but quickly rose to the top spot before the AFC U17 qualifiers.
Outstanding performances for the U17 team earned him a call-up to the U20 National team in 2022, despite being the youngest player on the roster. He played a crucial role in India’s triumph, winning the best Goalkeeper award in the SAFF U20 Championship in 2022, making him the youngest-ever recipient. Despite an offer from an Indian Super League club, he opted to pursue his European journey in Slovenia.
Gurkirat Singh:
Gurkirat Singh made a resounding entry into the Indian football scene by scoring four goals in India’s triumphant 5-2 victory over Bangladesh in the SAFF U20 Championship final. The 20-year-old center-forward also made a significant impact during the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers in 2022, where he netted three goals, earning him the title of Most Valuable Player with a total of eight strikes.
Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC signed him on a three-year contract until May 2024, with an option to extend for another season. While currently navigating the competitive environment at Mumbai City FC, the Chandigarh-born forward may face initial challenges breaking into the first team but has the potential to evolve into a significant presence in the future.
Sivasakthi Narayanan
At just 22 years old, Sivasakthi is already benefiting from the mentorship of Bengaluru FC’s Sunil Chhetri and shares the dressing room with the iconic footballer at the club level. This close association suggests a potential future where Sivasakthi could step into a leadership role, especially once the seasoned veteran, Chhetri, decides to retire.
Sivasakthi’s breakthrough season included a standout performance in the Durand Cup, where he contributed five goals for Bengaluru FC. Despite initial scepticism about his ‘height and body,’ he quickly solidified his place in the starting lineup during the Indian Super League 2022-23 season. Commendations from Chhetri himself, who labelled him a ‘superstar’ after a remarkable goal in the Durand Cup final against Mumbai City FC,
As the national team camp gears up for preparations for the AFC Asian Cup in January, coach Igor Stimac has already highlighted Sivasakthi as a key figure in the team’s attacking lineup, emphasizing his crucial role in the upcoming campaign.
Sahil Poonia:
In the 2023 edition of the AFC U17 campaign, India’s journey concluded in the group stages, but not without some notable positives. Sahil Poonia emerged as a standout performer, showcasing exceptional goalkeeping skills that proved crucial against Vietnam and Uzbekistan. His remarkable reaction time became a formidable barrier, with only extraordinary strikes managing to breach India’s goal.
A significant highlight occurred in the challenging match against Japan, where Poonia saved a penalty, marking a personal triumph. His stellar performance extended to the SAFF U17 Championship 2023, where he earned the best goalkeeper award. Poonia’s impressive record included two crucial clean sheets, notably one in the final against Nepal, securing the championship. With clubs closely monitoring his development, Sahil Poonia is poised to become a reliable goalkeeper for a top Indian club in the near future.
Danny Meitei
Danny Meitei, the burgeoning star in Indian football, made a significant impact during the 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup as a standout wide midfielder for the Blue Colts. His notable contributions included a crucial goal against Japan and orchestrating his own goal with a well-placed cross, showcasing both his scoring prowess and strategic influence on the game.
Integral to the new wave of Indian attackers pressing from the front, Meitei exhibits remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning across various positions on the field. While excelling in a central role, his wing play stands out with impressive speed, precise ball control, and finesse in dribbling. The 20-year-old from Sudeva Delhi has already captured the attention of multiple league clubs, and his decision between continuing development in the I-League or seeking enhanced exposure and training facilities in the ISL adds an intriguing layer to his promising career.
