As India gears up for a decisive clash against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, senior defender Sandesh Jhingan has emphasized the need for unity and coordination across all departments of the national team to revive its winning form.
India, currently preparing at the AIFF Centre of Excellence, is under pressure to deliver a result in its second group stage match on June 10. A win is crucial not only to improve their standing in the qualifiers but also to lift the morale of a team struggling with form and consistency.
Reflecting on the team’s performance woes, Jhingan said, “We are facing certain things which led to a dip in form. We (the players) feel worse and so do our families. Sometimes we let the country down but there are times when we have come up with great performances. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to keep trying to do better and focus on the future.”
India ended a lengthy 489-day winless run with a 2-0 victory over the Maldives on March 19 in a friendly. However, that optimism was short-lived as the team stumbled again with a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their Asian Cup qualifier opener on March 25, failing to capitalize on home advantage.
Jhingan, a stalwart in India’s backline, believes that the team’s scoring struggles stem from a lack of cohesion between the defence, midfield, and attack. “The reason we are not scoring is because we at the back are not putting up the ball to the midfield. And the midfield is not putting good balls in the box, and that’s why we’re not scoring,” he explained. “To point out a single aspect is very unfair as it is a collective effort in the end.”
With no victories in 11 matches throughout 2024 before the Maldives result, India’s attack has often looked disjointed, while the defence has been under constant pressure. Jhingan’s comments highlight the need for a holistic improvement, where every player understands and executes their role with precision.
As the showdown with Hong Kong approaches, Jhingan’s message is clear: only a united team, functioning as a cohesive unit, can rediscover the rhythm that once brought India notable success. The stakes are high, and for the Blue Tigers, the road to qualification may well depend on their ability to come together when it matters most.
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