As the Indian national football team gears up for their fifth FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Kuwait on June 6, the spotlight shines brightly on central midfielder Anirudh Thapa. Remarkably, Thapa has accumulated 57 caps for India before turning 26, making him the third-highest capped player among the current squad, behind only the legendary Sunil Chhetri and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Thapa’s journey with the Blue Tigers began nearly seven years ago when, as a 19-year-old, he stepped onto the Mumbai Football Arena pitch to face Saint Kitts and Nevis. Since then, he has evolved from a promising youngster into a central figure in India’s midfield, known for his tenacity, vision, and playmaking abilities.
Reflecting on his international career, Thapa’s evolution is evident. He now stands on the cusp of one of the most significant matches of his career, a must-win encounter against Kuwait at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
Sunil Chhetri, whose illustrious career is set to end with this match, has been a mentor and an inspiration for Thapa and many other young talents in the squad. Chhetri’s influence on and off the pitch has been immense, guiding players through the intricacies of professional football.
“Over the past seven years, whenever I’ve been in the national camp, he’s been the one everyone looks up to. He is an example-setter. He used to guide us through everything, tell us new things like how to stay fit, and what to do in your daily life. He has been a mentor for all,” Thapa shared during an interaction with the AIFF website.
On the field, Thapa and Chhetri’s synergy is well-documented. Thapa has assisted four of Chhetri’s 94 international goals, including notable strikes at the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and the recent SAFF Championship group stage against Kuwait, where Thapa’s precise corner kick set up Chhetri for a stunning volley.
The upcoming match against Kuwait carries significant weight. It is not just a crucial World Cup qualifier but also Chhetri’s final appearance in the Indian jersey. The emotional magnitude of this event is not lost on Thapa or his teammates.
“It is an important match for all of us, and especially for Sunil bhai. We need to make sure that we qualify for the third round because that would be huge for Indian football and the fans. We’re playing at the Salt Lake and the stadium will be fully packed. We all know how crazy the fans are and how much they love football there. We will give our best for the nation. We need to be at our best to get those three points,” Thapa emphasized.
The Salt Lake Stadium, where Thapa recently lifted the ISL Shield with Mohun Bagan SG, holds special significance for him. The venue is expected to be filled with fervent supporters, creating an electrifying atmosphere that could spur the Indian team to victory.
A win against Kuwait is essential for India’s hopes of advancing to the third round of World Cup qualifiers, a milestone that would be monumental for the country’s footballing aspirations. The match is not just about securing points but also about honoring Chhetri’s legacy and inspiring a new generation of footballers.
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