India Football Friendlies: TOP 5 debutantes to WATCH OUT for in India Tri-Nation Friendly

India Football Friendlies: India Tri-Nation Friendly: Igor Stimac has named a preliminary 23-man squad for national team training. Stimac has named a divisive squad that has received widespread criticism. He has, however, rewarded some players for their outstanding performances during the Indian Super League (ISL) season. From Phurba Lachenpa to Sivasakthi Narayanan, as well as Ritwik Das, Rohit Kumar, and Mehtab Singh, here are some reasons why these players should be kept an eye on. Follow Indian Super League and Indian Football Team LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN

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Later this month, the Indian football squad will return to the competition to take part in the Tri-Nation Friendly Competition. As a result, they will play two games against Burma and the Kyrgyz Republic during the FIFA international period.

Phurba Lachenpa:

Phurba Lachenpa’s stance has improved since winning the ISL Shield with Mumbai City FC. He was chosen as the national team’s third goalkeeper, ahead of Vishal Kaith and Prabhsukhan Gill. Lachenpa has been rewarded for his consistency and dependability for Mumbai this season.

#PhurbaLachenpa was on another level 🎚️💪🏻#HeroISL #HeroISLPlayoffs #LetsFootball #MumbaiCityFC pic.twitter.com/DqNdp8pk6U

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 15, 2023

In 22 games, he kept seven clean sheets and averaged nearly three saves per game. Lachenpa is not only an excellent shot-stopper, but he also possesses the necessary’modern-day goalkeeper’ characteristics. For Mumbai, he averaged over 15 passes per game, and his distribution, whether long kicks or pinpoint shorter passes, was flawless. The 25-year-old will be attending his first Indian national football team camp and hopes to get some playing time.

India Tri-Nation Friendly: From Phurba Lachenpa to Sivasakthi Narayanan, TOP 5 debutantes to WATCH OUT for in India’s friendlies against Myanmar Kyrgz Republic – Check Out

Sivasakthi Narayanan

The fact that Sivasakthi Narayanan was given his first India call-up for this tournament was arguably the most predictable event. The 21-year-old was a key contributor to Bengaluru FC’s success and had an incredible breakthrough season with the ISL champions. Sivasakthi and Roy Krishna created a fantastic partnership to harass defenders. Siva has shredded seasoned center-backs with his blistering pace and spry off-the-ball movement.

The second-most of any Bengaluru FC player, he made 20 appearances while scoring six goals and contributing three assists. Siva is perhaps the first call-up who will have the best chance of seeing consistent playing time in the forthcoming games. He will try to fill the vacuum left by Stimac’s departure and leave a lasting impression during his first spell with India. Stimac and the Blue Tigers are in desperate need of a talented center-forward.

India Tri-Nation Friendly: From Phurba Lachenpa to Sivasakthi Narayanan, TOP 5 debutantes to WATCH OUT for in India’s friendlies against Myanmar Kyrgz Republic – Check Out

Rohit Kumar

Before Bengaluru FC’s ISL season began, Rohit Kumar wasn’t even a starter for the team. He was primarily used as an energetic stand-in, although that wasn’t particularly effective. Given Kumar’s tenacity, Simon Grayson started him in the 2-1 victory over NorthEast United in January, which kicked off the Blues’ 11-game winning streak. Since then, Kumar has started every game and has also scored three goals! Most importantly, his robust tenacity in midfield and never-say-die attitude have added more solidity and improved defence against opponents.

Having previously played for India U-23, he now envisions himself being chosen for the Indian football squad for the first time. The young player hopes to make his debut for India and play with his Bengaluru teammate Suresh Singh. Who knows, if he can convince Stimac of his unwavering resolve and persistent manner, that might happen soon!

India Tri-Nation Friendly: From Phurba Lachenpa to Sivasakthi Narayanan, TOP 5 debutantes to WATCH OUT for in India’s friendlies against Myanmar Kyrgz Republic – Check Out

Mehtab Singh

Mehtab Singh is yet another emerging player of the 2022-23 season to be honoured for his efforts in the ISL. He started 21 games for Mumbai City, and he had a tremendous season! Singh was a dependable defender who used his strong defending style to neutralise the threat of numerous well-known players. As a tough and physical player, he averaged over three clearances and two blocks per game with the Islanders. Mehtab’s passing skills and propensity to play out from the back were very impressive.

𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 👏@MehtabSingh_05 scores an invaluable header to bring the Islanders level on aggregate! 😎#BFCMCFC #HeroISL #HeroISLPlayoffs #LetsFootball #BengaluruFC #MumbaiCityFC pic.twitter.com/VaxhNJ8EMI

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 12, 2023

He made almost 55 passes per game on average, with an 87.66% accuracy rate. Thus it comes as no surprise that Stimac has added the talented 24-year-old defender to his team. Defenders who can assume responsibility at the back, whether it be through defending or passing, are adored by the Croatian coach. Mehtab meets both criteria and plans to play a significant part in the Indian football team’s forthcoming Tri-Nation Friendly Competition.

India Tri-Nation Friendly: From Phurba Lachenpa to Sivasakthi Narayanan, TOP 5 debutantes to WATCH OUT for in India’s friendlies against Myanmar Kyrgz Republic – Check Out

Ritwik Das

Ritwik Das performed despite Jamshedpur FC having a difficult season, having developed since the 2021–22 campaign. Ritwik brought new life to Aidy Boothroyd’s team, teasing opponents with his sharp play. He scored six goals in 18 games by making full use of his fluid movement and superior end product.

As of the completion of the season, Das had the most goals for Jamshedpur and was tied for the third-most goals scored by an Indian in the ISL. In their last four games, the winger led them to three victories with three goals. Das has been given a spot in the India team as a result of his outstanding season’s end. He’ll be aiming to make his maiden flight and bolster his season.