The Indian Football Team faces a challenging start to their AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign with a David versus Goliath battle against the 2015 champion, Australia, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha on Saturday. This represents a pivotal moment for the Blue Tigers as they qualify for consecutive editions of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. Drawn into Group B alongside Syria, Uzbekistan, and the Socceroos, India confronts formidable competition. As the team gears up for this crucial encounter, lets delve into India Playing XI against Australia,
Coach Stimac has chosen Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as the goalkeeper, considering his advantages in height, set-pieces, long reach, experience, and aerial duels. With Sandesh Jhingan’s partner, Anwar Ali, injured, Rahul Bheke is filling the centre-back role due to his versatility and previous commendations from Stimac.
In the full-back positions, the attack-minded Nikhil Poojary is deployed on the right, and Subhasish Bose, known for his defend-first approach, takes the left-back position.
In the absence of Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh, recovering from elbow surgery, Suresh Singh Wangjam partners with Apui in the midfield. Sunil Chhetri is an obvious choice as the striker, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manvir Singh provide additional support in the game against Australia.
India’s starting XI against Australia:
Gurpreet (GK) – Bose, Bheke, Jhingan, Poojary, Suresh, D. Tangri, Apuia, Chhetri, Manvir, Chhangte
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