The head coach of the India senior men’s team, Igor Stimac, has announced the 26-member squad for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023. The team, known as The Blue Tigers, will be arriving in Doha later today to participate in their fifth appearance in the Asian Cup.
India’s first match in Group B will be against Australia on January 13 at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. They will then face Uzbekistan on January 18 at the same venue. The team will later move to the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor to take on Syria on January 23.
There were some surprising selections in the squad, including the inclusion of midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who had missed the past month due to injury. Additionally, central midfielder Apuiad, who was dropped from the national team due to disciplinary issues, has managed to find his place in the squad.
There were some surprising selections in the squad, with midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who had missed the past month due to injury, being included. Additionally, central midfielder Apuiad, who was dropped from the national team due to disciplinary issues, has also managed to find his place in the squad.
Stimac, sharing the areas he would like to improve upon ahead of the tournament, stated, “We are focusing on improving defensive compactness, offensive transitions, and set pieces, primarily. It is crucial for us to work on man-marking inside the box as I was not satisfied with that aspect of our game. In recent matches, we have conceded some unnecessary goals inside the box.”
“All these players possess similar footballing abilities. We are a team, a family. However, regardless of talent, character is essential for achieving success. Our opponents in all three games are technically strong, physically robust, and possess great speed. Therefore, our approach to these matches will not differ significantly. We need to assess the current fitness level of our players and determine how much progress we can make in the next two weeks,” added Stimac.
The Blue Tigers have had their fair share of experience competing in Qatar, having played four of their 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers matches there, including two against the hosts. Additionally, Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu were part of the Indian squad at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, which was also held in Qatar. Chhetri showcased his skills by scoring a goal each against Bahrain and South Korea.
“I am eagerly anticipating the presence of our Indian fans in Doha. They showed tremendous support for the Indian team during the qualifiers, and this played a significant role in our impressive performances against Qatar. I am well aware that our boys will receive massive support, and I hope we can repay them by achieving positive results and celebrating together,” expressed Stimac.
India’s 26-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh.
Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.