The Indian football team is back in action after a month’s break. Sunil Chhetri and co are preparing for the most important FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The Blue Tigers will begin their campaign against Kuwait after being drawn alongside Qatar, Kuwait, and Afghanistan in the second round. India vs Kuwait is scheduled for 16th November and will kick off at 10 PM IST.
Stimac has already picked a 28-man likely squad for the forthcoming games, with the players already in training camp in Dubai. Even if the team is still well-balanced, it lacks the presence of both Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh there. With the youngsters out with long-term injuries, Stimac would have quite some problems finding a befitting replacement.
India is now on a losing stride, after having gone on an amazing 11 games without a loss this year. They lost their King’s Cup matches with Lebanon and Iraq. Ultimately, a 4-2 defeat to Malaysia in the Merdeka Cup. It would be fascinating to watch whether Stimac modifies his system given that the Blue Tigers will be playing challenging opponents in the coming month. Having said that, let’s look at how Stimac can line the Blue TIgers without his two key players.
On paper, while Igor Stimac prefers the 4-2-3-1 system, he should opt for the 3-4-2-1 configuration. Jeakson Singh’s injury leaves a hole in the lineup that Igor Stimac needs to find a befitting piece for.
Anirudh Thapa can be joined by Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia Ralte, or Rohit Kumar to play in the centre. Even though Stimac has usually preferred Suresh Singh, Apuia’s performance for Mumbai City FC should be taken into account.
Alongside Thapa, Apuia will fit right into the middle. In addition to providing defensive solidity, he would be able to advance the ball once he has control. It will provide more attacking options for the forwards (Sahal, Chhangte, and Sunil Chhetri).
Anwar Ali’s absence leaves India lacking a defensive presence. With Mehtab Singh and Sandesh Jhingan frequently facing one-on-one situations when the full-backs moved up the pitch, it might very well create problems like it did against Malaysia. India may find it more advantageous to utilise three centre-backs given the attacking capabilities of Poojary and Akash Mishra
Subhasish Bose makes the perfect fit as the center-back in this situation. Since he has demonstrated his ability to play for his club, the Mohun Bagan Super Giant, as a back three.
India vs Kuwait: India Predicted XI:
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Mehtab Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Nikhil Poojary, Akash Mishra, Apuia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Sunil Chhetri
India vs Kuwait: 28-man probable squad
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Glan Martins, Apuia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rohit Kumar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh.
Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul KP, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.
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