As the countdown to the AFC Asian Cup 2023 intensifies, the Indian senior men's football team, under the leadership of head coach Igor Stimac, has unveiled its 26-member squad set to compete in Qatar. Scheduled for their fifth appearance in the prestigious tournament, the Blue Tigers are slated to face Australia in their opening match on January 13, 2024, at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
The squad revelation brought unexpected developments, with Udanta Singh securing a spot despite earlier public criticism from Stimac. Another surprise inclusion is Sahal Abdul Samad, recovering from a December injury, adding an extra layer of anticipation. The return of Deepak Tangri further strengthens the team's midfield.
Comprising a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent, the squad features stalwarts like Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan alongside promising players such as Udanta Singh and Lalchungnunga. The goalkeeping trio of Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Vishal Kaith forms a formidable last line of defense, with the defensive lineup promising resilience.
Coach Stimac emphasized the unity and character within the team, stating, "All these boys are very similar in terms of football quality. We are a team, a family." He outlined key areas for improvement, focusing on defensive compactness, offensive transitions, and set pieces.
Addressing challenges posed by Group B opponents - Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria - Stimac highlighted their technical prowess, physical strength, and speed. He stressed a consistent approach across all games and expressed the need to assess players' fitness levels in the coming weeks.
Recognizing the crucial role of Indian fans, Stimac acknowledged their massive support during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Sunil Chhetri expressed excitement about seeing Indian fans in Doha, hoping to deliver positive results and celebrate with them.
