The Indian national football team is poised to kick off their AFC Asian Cup 2023 journey on January 13, 2024, confronting their formidable rivals, Australia, in an arduous opening clash. Paired with former champions Syria and Uzbekistan, the Blue Tigers find themselves in a fierce battle to secure a berth in the knockout stages. The team’s charismatic captain, Sunil Chhetri, a seasoned veteran at 39, stands as one of the tournament’s eldest players. However, his energy remains unparalleled, defying the norms that often see footballers retire at this stage of their careers.
That being said let us look at the players who will heavily impact India’s performance at the continental showpiece:
Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri, a beacon of experience, not only leads the team with grace but also stands as one of the most prolific goal-scorers on the international stage. Ranked just below Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in active international goalscorers, the Indian skipper approaches the remarkable milestone of a century of goals. Anticipation is high for him to once again illuminate the team, steering a significantly transformed Indian side from the one that nearly clinched a knockout place in 2019.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Besides Chhetri, the squad relies heavily on Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the unwavering first-choice goalkeeper. Once the captain of Norwegian club Stabaek, the 31-year-old brings a level-headed approach and vital experience from two previous AFC Asian Cup editions.
Sandesh Jhingan
Another key figure is Sandesh Jhingan, the 30-year-old center-back with 60 appearances for the Indian team and European football exposure from his time at Croatian second-tier club HNK Sibenik in 2021. His aggressive playing style and crucial tackles have salvaged India on numerous occasions.
Anirudh Thapa
At 25, the Mohun Bagan midfielder, lacks physical presence but compensates with exceptional long-range passing, vision, and smart gameplay, unlocking opposing defenses.
Sahal Abdul Samad
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder, has captivated fans with his dribbling and passing prowess, although his participation in the opening match is uncertain due to a recent injury.
Lallianzuala Chhangte
Lallianzuala Chhangte, once a peripheral figure, earned his place through stellar performances at the club level. Impressing coach Igor Stimac over the past two seasons, Chhangte emerged as a impactful player during Manvir Singh’s injury lay-off, earning praise for his professionalism and contributions during World Cup qualifiers in November.
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