In the aftermath of India’s surprising 1-2 defeat to Afghanistan in the World Cup qualifiers, a wave of criticism has emerged from former national team players, spotlighting alleged discord within the team and demanding a shift in coaching leadership.
The match, held in Guwahati, saw India squander a one-goal lead established by Sunil Chhetri in his 150th international appearance, prompting a closer examination of the team’s internal dynamics and strategic direction.
Gourmangi Singh, a former India defender, voiced concerns over a noticeable disconnect in the current setup. “Something was amiss in the current Indian dressing room,” he stated, highlighting an underlying issue that has resonated among the team’s alumni.
His sentiments were echoed by Dipendu Biswas, a former forward, who criticized head coach Igor Stimac’s team selection as “skewed,” directly attributing the poor performance to this flaw and advocating for Stimac’s immediate removal.
The calls for change don’t stop with coaching critiques. Veteran Subrata Bhattacharya raised questions about the efficacy of foreign coaches in advancing Indian football, proposing instead that domestic talent be leveraged to cultivate future stars.
“Foreign coaches never brought laurels to the Indian team,” Bhattacharya pointed out, stressing the need for an Indian coach to develop players of Sunil Chhetri’s caliber.
This unrest comes amid a turbulent period for Indian football, marked by administrative upheavals within the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and underwhelming performances in major competitions. The sacking of AIFF’s secretary general last November for “breach of trust” and a disappointing campaign at the Asian Cup have compounded the sense of crisis.
Despite these challenges, there’s a shared belief in the potential of the team. Gourmangi Singh recalled the squad’s commendable draw against Qatar in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and their triumph in the SAFFF Championships, questioning the sudden dip in form. “Last year, they achieved greater heights… so suddenly what happened? It was the same team, same players, so what happened suddenly?” he queried.
Dipendu Biswas lamented the missed opportunities for young talent, criticizing Stimac’s reliance on Chhetri and overlooking promising players from domestic competitions. Highlighting the case of Manipuri forward David Lalhlansanga, who has been prolific for Mohammedan SC, Biswas criticized the selection policy that fails to recognize such talent. “But nobody knows David, thanks to Stimac’s flawed selection policies,” he stated.
The call for action is clear: former players demand a restructuring of the coaching strategy and a broader inclusion of domestic talent to revitalize the national team. As the conversation unfolds, it’s evident that for Indian football to ascend to new heights, significant changes are deemed necessary — not only in leadership but in nurturing and recognizing the potential within its own shores.
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