The versatile defender spoke to the-aiff.com about his half-a-decade-long national team journey until now. “Getting my first opportunity in 2019 was a dream come true for me. Ever since I joined the national team, I have learned so many things from my colleagues, teammates, and coaches and I still do every day. It’s been a learning experience, and training every day and playing international games has helped me to grow as a player,” said Bheke.

While he couldn’t zero in on one particular moment as his best in the India jersey, Bheke revealed a few special games. “My best moments have been when I got my first call-up for the King’s Cup (in Thailand) and made my debut against Curacao, and when I scored my first goal against Bahrain. I can also add the AFC Asian Cup experience. I played all three games, so it was a big thing for me.”

Bheke has built a special relationship with Chhetri, which also spanned at the club level after spending four years at Bengaluru FC between 2017 and 2021. Opening up about his bond with the Indian captain, Bheke said, “I still remember the first day I met him. We were in Mumbai I think back in 2016-17, and played a five-a-side game. From that day till today, it’s been a great journey for us. We have shared countless victories and unforgettable memories. He’s been an inspiration to all of us. He was the first person to give me a call when I got called for the national camp for the first time. I’m so happy to have shared the pitch with him and I just want to thank him for all the memories and the lessons he has given to all the players and for being an inspiration to the whole nation.”

And it’s not just inside the green pitch where the bond blooms. Chhetri has been a friend, brother, and mentor for not just Bheke but everyone who is part of the national camp.

“Yes, we share a lot of things off the field,” revealed Bheke. “We spend a lot of time together. Sometimes, we go out together. He talks to not just me but all the players about off-the-pitch stuff, things about life, what mistakes he’s done and what he’s learned. He guides players about their football careers. His relationship with me has always been very good. Whether in the national camp or in the club. So he is, you know, like a big brother.”

In this brotherhood, Bheke has also inculcated Chhetri’s leadership skills. It’s fair to say that when Chhetri hangs up his India boots after June 6, new youngsters would look up to leaders like Bheke in the national team. As captain of Mumbai City FC, Bheke is no stranger to leading the lines and taking the reins for his team. Less than three weeks ago, he lifted the Indian Super League Cup title for his club in Kolkata, at the very same pitch India will face Kuwait in the must-win FIFA World Cup Qualifiers game.

“We have a big stage right in front of us, so I hope we do well and qualify for the next round, which will be a great achievement for the country. We’re positive. The way the camp is going on, the way everyone is training, I can see that there is a positive atmosphere in the team. Everyone is looking forward to that game. We’re all working on ourselves and getting better in shape,” said Bheke.

The Mumbai-born defender also shared what it meant for him to lift the ISL trophy wearing the captain’s armband.

“Winning the ISL Cup this time was a totally different feeling as a captain. I won it with Bengaluru FC in 2019, but I was not a senior player or a leader of the team. We had many leaders and captains in that squad.

“This time, I was the captain of my home team. And lifting the trophy for my hometown club was a proud moment for me, for my family, for my friends who were there in Mumbai. I lifted the trophy for my people. It was a very emotional moment for me. I felt good that I gave my home team something in return.”

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#1 Joni Kauko, the Finnish star, join ATK Mohun Bagan- 

A big signing for ATK. Joni plays as a centre attacking midfielder, which can be a perfect replacement for Spaniard Javi Hernandez. Joni played for Esbjerg FB, a team that plays in the first division of the Danish League.

He represented the Finland national team in the recent UEFA Euros 2020 and confirmed his signing amid the ongoing competition. The 30-year-old can prove to be an essential player for the team ahead of their AFC Cup Group D campaign, kicking off in August.

#2 Sunil Chhetri extends his stay with Bengaluru FC until 2023- 

Everyone expected this to happen; as we all know, the 36-year-old Indian Captain and BFC have still a lot more to offer. Recently, Chettri scored a brace against Bangladesh in the World Cup Qualifiers and became the third top active goal scorer in international football, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Ali Mabkhout. 

Chhetri first joined Bengaluru FC back in 2013. Since then, he has led the team to one ISL (2018-19) and I-League titles (2013). He has featured in eight seasons for BFC and has topped the goal-scoring charts in each season with the Blues.

#3 Bidyasagar Singh signs for Bengaluru FC- 

One of the hottest names in the Indian transfer market, Bidyasagar Singh, joins Bengaluru FC. The young 23-year-old striker was the top scorer in the I-League 2020-21 season for TRAU FC. 

The Manipuri striker had an exceptional season with TRAU last year, where he scored 12 goals in 15 appearances, which also includes two hat tricks!

There were many ISL teams in the race, but in the end, the Blues emerged as the clear front-runners.

#4 Stefan Ilic joins Mohammedan SC- 

The 26-year-old Serbian centre forward joins Mohammedan SC from OFC Bačka, who plays in the Serbian top division. 

Stefan has been a very impressive goal scorer who has gained interest from several clubs in India. He has also represented his national side in 2015 U-20 FIFA World Cup. His arrival can be a significant change for Mohammedan, as he can turn the games all by himself.

#5 FC Goa ropes in Nongdamba from Kerala Blasters- 

After an excellent campaign for FC Goa in the AFC Champions League, they are looking to boost their squad in every department to make their side better. They signed Nongdamba Naorem, a promising left-winger who can add a lot in the front for them. 

Last season he was on the verge of signing for ATK Mohun Bagan, but during his medicals, he was diagnosed with an ACL (anterior-cruciate-ligament) injury, which forced the Mariners to call off the deal. Naorem is always included in the list of most elite talents in India, and he will surely be a player to watch for in the next season!

#6 Rowllin Borges pens an extension with Mumbai City FC

One of the key players for reigning ISL Champions Mumbai City FC, Rowllin extends his stay with the team until 2024. The 28-year-old played a vital role in the champion squad, clinching both the ISL shield and championship.

He is a player who doesn’t have a regular name on score sheets, but his key passes help the team to set up goals. Last season, he scored twice and assisted once, but his 1124 passes in the entire season made the difference!

The next edition of the Indian Super League is expected to start on the 19th of November. This will be the eighth season of the ISL, where ATK Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin, Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC have won it in these years. It will surely be an exciting season to watch with all the new signings and rules announced by Football Sports Department Limited some days ago. The 2021-22 season will be the second edition of ISL under Covid bio bubble, and we expect it to be as successful as last season!

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: FC Goa announce first feeder Club partnership

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The loss meant that India finished at the bottom of Group A!

Jamal Rashed’s 91st-minute spot-kick broke Indian hearts as Bahrain ran out winners despite a solid defensive performance from Stephen Constantine’s team.

In what was a nervy start India replaced the injured Anas Edathodika with Salam Ranjan Singh in the early minutes of the game. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was on his toes as he brilliantly kept out Komail’s shot from outside the box in the 5th minute.

As Bahrain frustrated India by holding on to possession in the opening minutes the Blue Tigers on the other hand missed a good chance to score when Ashique Kuruniyan’s header off Pritam Kotal’s cross was blocked by the opposition defence. Also, Halicharan Nazary’s effort in the 22nd minute hit the side-netting.

Come the half-hour mark and India were passing exquisitely in the Bahrain box! Pronay Halder’s pass found Halicharan on the wings with the latter dribbling and laying off for Sunil Chhetri. Only a last-ditch tackle from a Bahrain defender stopped Chhetri before he could shoot on goal from less than 10 yards out!

Though Bahrain controlled possession the Blue Tigers still defended well with Sandesh Jhingan marshaling the back-line. Also India’s midfielders, who looked compact throughout, rushed to defend at times, thus restricting Bahrain to long-ranged shots.

Tight defending meant that Bahrain could not create problems for India despite raiding the box at times. Skipper Pronay Halder made a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying minutes of the first half to keep Bahrain at bay.

Coach Constantine added more spark in attack as he brought in Jeje Lalpekhlua for Ashique Kuruniyan at the half-way mark. But then it was defence (and not attack) where India did well as Halder and Jhingan frustrated Bahrain.

The duo gave India’s strikers the necessary cover and space to execute attacks. Jhingan also made a crucial sliding tackle in the 60th minute to deny Bahrain a clear goal after a cross from the right flank had gone unchecked.

Udanta Singh also got into the thick of defensive action later and made a sensational tackle in the Indian box to rob Bahrain of possession. Though Singh had earlier been hauled down near the Bahrain box still the resulting free-kick was sent over the bar by Chhetri.

Bahrain had an indirect free-kick inside the box in the 73rd minute (Sandhu had collected a back pass) but then India’s defenders kept the ball out by flinging bodies in the way.

Sandhu also pulled off a world-class save in the 83rd minute to deny Bahrain a goal from a close-range header. The rebound was excellently blocked off by Kotal!

But then it all went to naught as Pronay Halder brought down Hamad Al Shamsan inside the box during the dying minutes of the game .

And as Jamal Rashed converted from the spot…India’s dreams had gone to pieces!

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika (4’ – Salam Ranjan Singh), Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh, Pronay Halder (C), Rowllin Borges, Halicharan Narzary (79’ – Anirudh Thapa), Ashique Kuruniyan (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Sunil Chhetri.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Constantine resigns after India gets knocked out of AFC Asian Cup

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Aware of progress of Indian football: Dato Windsor John

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In an exclusive interview, he spoke at length about the AFC being aware of the remarkable progress of football in India over the last decade.

EXCERPTS: The hallmark of India’s performance in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup…

DWJ: India has performed well. The win against Thailand — a first in 55 years in the competition — is testament of the development of football in India. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) deserves credit for its dedication.

Despite the loss against UAE, they (India) showed character and resilience.

Of course it is not easy to compete against a tournament heavyweight on home soil and India were a little unfortunate. I believe they can take great pride with their performance.

Has India been the surprise package of the tournament?
DWJ: India’s performance may have come as a surprise for some but we (AFC) were well aware of the remarkable progress of football in the country since the last decade. The AFC’s vision and mission underlines commitment to provide assistance to member associations. As the second largest football community on the planet, we knew about India’s football potential.

Over the years, we have worked closely with the AIFF to raise the standard of the game through various ‘President Initiatives’ and development programmes. There are signs that the sport is scaling new heights in India.

These include the results of the U-16 team at the AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia in 2018 (they qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002). Also, Bengaluru FC, who reached the 2016 AFC Cup final and the Inter Zone final and semifinal in 2017 and 2018 respectively, is a good indicator of the progress of football in India.

When we decided to expand the competition from 16 to 24 teams, the idea was to provide member associations more opportunities against top-class competition. It is good that the decision has made an impact on emerging nations which include the Philippines, Kyrgyz Republic and of course, India.

Citing the example of the India U-16 team what has caused the sudden shift for football in India?
DWJ: Competitions drive development and India’s continued presence in AFC tournaments has been the catalyst for the development of football.

The AFC decided to award the AFC U-16 Championship to India (in 2016) to strengthen their capability of hosting the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and also give them international match experience and exposure — factors vital for the development of football.

The competition also showcased the passion that exists for football in the country as fans rallied behind the senior India team till the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. We hope that India’s commendable display will accelerate this progress.

Does Sunil Chettri’s recent record (he overtook Lionel Messi as the second highest goalscorer among active players in international football) mean anything for Asian football?
DWJ: Sunil’s record clearly exemplifies his desire and professionalism both on and off the pitch. He has been a proud ambassador for club and country. With two goals in this tournament, he has proven his worth on Asia’s grandest stage.

I am confident that he (Chettri) will serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers in India and Asia. With hard-work, dedication and a commitment to excellence, Sunil proves that nothing is impossible.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Tricky but still very possible! A look at India’s Knockout round chances

Also Read: We need to win against Bahrain: Constantine

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Circa 2019 and as India get set to face Bahrain (on the same day!) they stand on the cusp of qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup!

If they do achieve that feat then Sunil Chhetri’s team would etch their name in India’s football folklore.

Chhetri — the second-highest goal scorer in international football among active players — had scored India’s second goal against Bahrain in 2011.

The India skipper — now a veteran — would be itching to score against Bahrain on Monday.

“It doesn’t matter who scores as long as we score. It’s a team game. The awareness and interest in football has certainly grown in India. Everyone who is associated with football is responsible for it. But I also want to say that it’s a very small jump which we have taken. We have to keep our heads down and keep working hard,” said Chhetri.

“It was an extremely difficult group back then. We had Australia, South Korea and Bahrain in the group. The only positive, apart from the fact that we played our hearts out was that we scored three goals,” he recalled about the 2011 campaign.

“The one distinct thing I remember was scoring. Renedy’s great dribbling first, and then his fierce shot from 35 yards hit the bar, and dropped. Later on, in the replays, we saw that the ball had gone in. But it wasn’t given. Off Renedy’s rebound, Abhishek Yadav hit the bar too, and as it fell to me, I headed it in,” reminisced Chettri.

“We haven’t achieved anything substantial yet. What I want to achieve is to reach the top 10 in Asia and rub shoulders with the best. For that, we have to improve a lot. The first step starts with a result against Bahrain tomorrow,” he added.

Keeping aside the second-place finish in 1964, this is arguably a memorable campaign for India.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Chettri are the only two members of this team to have played in 2011.

Gurpreet was on the bench in 2011 thanks to the presence of a certain Subrata ‘Spiderman’ Paul in goal.

“I remember everyone was very calm the before the Bahrain game. We believed that we could get a result from that game. We even managed to score a couple of goals. But unfortunately, we ended up losing,” said Sandhu.

“Eight years down the line we are back in the Asian Cup playing Bahrain again. Things are different, the teams are different. But we are in a better situation,” he added.

As Chhetri and India gave it their all against the best in Asia the youngsters of now had then dreamed of greater things to come.

“I remember I had tears in my eyes that day, and made one of those crazy promises that you make as a kid – I’m going to play for India one day and bring glory. But here I am today, ready to play against them tomorrow,” said central defender Sandesh Jhingan.

“It’s hard to believe, sometimes. Even if God came down and told me to write down my future eight years back, I would not have believed that I would be here, and facing Bahrain on this very day,” he added.

Defender Subhasish Bose, who broke into the India squad six months back, was a youngster when Chettri and co. played in 2011. He had yearned to avenge India’s loss on that fateful night.

“I was watching the Bahrain game with my dad. We were both disappointed on losing the match, but now we have the chance to get our revenge for that defeat,” said Bose.

India play Bahrain in Group A of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The game will kick-off at 9.30 pm (IST) and will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, 3 and live-streamed on Jio TV.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Tricky but still very possible! A look at India’s Knockout round chances

Also Read: We need to win against Bahrain: Constantine

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The Blue Tigers next play Bahrain in their last match on January 14. India and Thailand have three points from two games while UAE top the group with four points.

India hit the post twice in the second-half and also muffed two good chances in the first. Despite an early scare the hosts scored through Alhamsi and Ali Mabkhout and finished off the game. India, who went all out in the first-half, could have won if it weren’t for the missed chances.

The Blue Tigers surprised UAE with their intensity in attack as plenty of chances came their way. Sandesh Jhingan’s free header went wide in the eight minute — the first real chance for India. UAE custodian Khalid Bilal later pulled off a world-class save to deny Ashique Kuruniyan from close range.

As skipper Sunil Chhetri’s header off Anirudh Thapa’s cross went straight to Bilal in the 23rd minute — it was the end of India’s attacking jaunt. The home team made India pay for their misses as Alhamsi took advantage of a miscommunication in the visitor’s defence and chipped home from a tight angle in the 40th minute.

India had another good scoring chance (after UAE’s defenders fluffed a routine clearance) but Chhetri could only shoot inches wide from a tight angle. The first-half finished 1-0 in UAE’s favor.

Come the second-half and substitute Jeje Lalpekhlua’s long-ranged chip in the 53rd minute was another missed effort for India. Udanta Singh also went close when his shot rattled the bar in the 55th minute. UAE also had their moments as skipper Alhammadi’s shot rattled the post in the 73rd minute. They did have the last laugh when Ali Mabkhout found the back of the net in the 88th minute.

Late in injury time, Jhingan’s header bounced back off the post as India did try to come back but it was in vain.

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh (79’ – Jackichand Singh), Pronay Halder, Anirudh Thapa (70’ – Rowllin Borges), Halicharan Narzary (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Ashique Kuruniyan, Sunil Chhetri (C).

– AIFF MEDIA

Also Read:

AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

AFC ASIAN CUP: India still have work to do: Constantine

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“We know all the three games are going to be very tough. There’ll be no easy game at this level. But we’ll go toe-to-toe with them. A game is not played on paper, but on the pitch. UAE are the hosts and will be under pressure. It’s understandable they will go for all three points,” said Constantine.

UAE (ranked 79th in the FIFA rankings) has won eight of 13 games against India. The Blue Tigers on the other hand have won thrice against the Gulf nation.

The two teams last played at the Ambedkar Stadium (New Delhi) in 2o11. The game had ended in a 2-2 draw with Jeje Lalpekhlua scoring for India.

“Jeje is a very good player. But unfortunately, he did not have much game time recently. You put Jeje in the position and he will score for you. I was so happy that he scored the goal against Thailand. He deserves to get the goal, especially at this level,” said Constantine about Lalpekhlua.

When asked about UAE’s style of play he said: “They are a physical, as well as a skillful side. I am not worried about our fitness. We have to play our best game to get the result.”

Sunil Chhetri, who surpassed Lionel Messi as the highest international goal scorer among active players, also earned plaudits from the coach.

“Sunil has always given everything whenever he has played for the National Team. I can’t complain about this. He is there to do his job and his job is to score goals. He has a phenomenal scoring record and we’re better with him in the team,” said Constantine.

“Against Thailand, we gave the ball away too many times which put the opposition in an advantageous position. We have to look after the ball better. I feel we started a bit nervous. Some young boys were too eager to press. We can’t repeat it against UAE,” he added.

Constantine played Ashique Kuruniyan up front alongside Chhetri in the game against Thailand…and the move paid off!

When asked as to whether an encore can happen against UAE the coach simply said: “You have to wait and see.”

India play UAE at the Sheikh Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday (January 10). The game will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, 3. It will also be streamed live on Hotstar at 9.30 pm (IST). 

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

AFC ASIAN CUP: India still have work to do: Constantine

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“I recalled my playing days seeing these young chaps – Ashique Kuruniyan and Anirudh Thapa play. Ashique has terrific energy and speed while Thapa’s finishing was too good,” said the yesteryear hero.

“The coach has done a great work bringing so many young players in the National Team. They are capable of running at the same speed and playing with same intensity for 90 minutes. It will help us going forward. Moreover, the team has experienced players like Chhetri and Sandesh who can guide these boys on the pitch,” he added.

Thapa (Chairman, AIFF Technical Committee) was elated while describing the four goals. The win against Thailand became India’s biggest victory in the history of the tournament (it surpassed the 3-1 win against Hong Kong in 1964).

“All the goals were brilliant. The composure showed by Sunil before the penalty was terrific. The second goal was a terrific example of the team game. Udanta’s pass was perfectly finished by Chhetri. Truly masterclass,” said an emotional Thapa.

On Anirudh Thapa: “The baccha (Thapa) showed the right attitude and chipped it in. The future is bright and he is on the right path.” He labeled Anirudh as a ‘special player’ with a ‘bright future’.

“The toe-poke by Jeje was something extraordinary too. What I found so positive was that not a single goal came by fluke. The game plan was executed well,” he added.

The ex-striker feels India’s midfielders will have a ‘tough task’ in the next game against hosts UAE.

“The midfielders have a tough task against UAE. They need to be on their toes all throughout. The team which will control the midfield will win the match. They need to go deep to lay a hand in the defence as well as coordinate with the forwards up front,” signed off Thapa.

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

AFC ASIAN CUP: India still have work to do: Constantine

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A day after he surpassed Lionel Messi in the list for most goals scored by an active player in the international football arena he spoke at a length about the win against Thailand in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the team, his fitness mantra, his debut and much more…

EXCERPTS:

Ever thought you would come this far (since the debut against Pakistan in 2005)?
SC: Never. Not even in my wildest fantasies, I thought that this would happen to me. Playing for my country the very first time was so enjoyable, memorable and nothing less than a great honor. But, I never thought that I would go on to play so many games and score goals for India.

The secret behind your goal-scoring run…
SC: There is no secret behind these results. I am blessed to have played the game with the best of the teammates — both for all my clubs and country. Both in Bengaluru FC and India, everyone helps me out. They support me and that is very important. I just try to continue doing the best for the team and the result follows.

Fitness…
SC: There is absolutely no secret. You have to just work hard and make sure you train well. Most importantly you need to eat and sleep well. The fact that I love playing football, and playing for my country drives me to push further. I think I am undergoing the phase when I’m the fastest, fittest in my life. I don’t think age is a barrier for me.

How did the team celebrate the win against Thailand?
SC: We did nothing to enjoy.  It’s just about sticking to the routine. We had the recovery sessions, and now the gym. It’s not done yet and nothing has been achieved so far. It was a decent win but just one win, no more or no less.

The plan for the future…
SC: We have to focus for the match against hosts UAE. It will be a very difficult game. If you ask me — without taking anything from Thailand, the least difficult one among the three matches was against Thailand.

The most difficult game will be against UAE and lest we forget, Bahrain will be equally tough for us. We are concentrating on the next one now and we need to give a good account of ourselves.

On Ashique stepping up for Jeje…
SC: Pretty good, I must say. It was a new position for him as he generally does not play as a striker. But he worked really hard. Jeje is the talisman for us. He is probably one of the main reasons why we have reached the Asian Cup finals. So it was quite a task for him to fill in Jeje’s shoes.

The overall performance against Thailand…
SC: It was a top-notch performance by everyone. Right from Gurpreet, Subhasish, Anas, Sandesh, Pritam — everyone was so good. At times, the whole team dig deep to defend, but these four guys have been really solid at the back

So, what’s next? Personal achievements?
SC: I don’t think anything about personal achievements at the moment. It’s all about the team and we need to focus on keeping a clean sheet against UAE.

On beating Messi’s record…
SC: No record for me now. After 10 years, probably, when we’ll sit with a drink in our hand will talk about records. (laughs).

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers do their bit for these special champions!

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EXCERPTS:

The team will face Thailand, UAE and Bahrain in the group stage. Who would be our (India’s) toughest opponent?

GSS: I feel all are extremely difficult to play against. No team will come into the Asian Cup without doing their homework. I am sure the three teams will hold us in high regard as well. All three teams are huge challenges to face. We have to be smart in our approach and take it one game at a time. We need to get the best possible result in the first game and then approach the second match accordingly.

How important is communication between you and the defenders? How do you improve and work upon it?

GSS: Once you play with each other and gain confidence, it gets better. The more you play together, the trust level increases. Communication between defenders and the goalkeeper is the hallmark of a strong team. In my opinion, we have done well in that respect.

(Subrata) Pal rose to the occasion in the 2011 Asian Cup and was lauded. Do you feel any pressure?

GSS: Even at that point (no disrespect to someone like Subrata-bhai) I felt that I should be the one playing (laughs aloud and utters: ‘Just kidding’). I had that desire to play for the country and it was an eye-opener for me. He made a number of brilliant saves. I feel that as a team, we have to work hard to avoid getting into situations where the goalkeeper has to make saves all the time. We need to put in a strong team performance and be a difficult team to play against.

How would you compare the two Indian teams — the one from 2011 and the current batch?

GSS: The 2011 team consisted of various legends. All were talented and played under an incredible coach. However, if we consider factors like team development and playing in a similar system, I feel the batch of 2019 has the upper hand. The desire and the fire to learn defines our squad. I was the youngest player (aged 18) in 2011 and this time we have many U-23 players in the squad. It highlights the development of the sport at the grassroots level in the last 7-8 years in the country.

What are your memories from the 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign?

GSS: It was very special as it was my first senior team experience. Training alongside the biggest names in Indian football was something that I never expected to do. I took every single day as it came and made every single moment count. I learnt as much as I could.

Any particular lesson from that group?

GSS: I learnt a lot from the senior goalkeepers – Subrata-bhai (Paul), Arindam-bhai (Bhattacharya) and Subhasish-bhai (Roy Chowdhury). Training with them was really enjoyable and I remember trying to ape them. Also, I have special memories of playing against Bhaichung-bhai (Bhutia), Renedy-bhai (Singh) and Sunil-bhai (Chhetri).

By AIFF Media

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers do their bit for these special champions!

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