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The new chapter of Indian football begins this Wednesday as Igor Stimac takes charge for the first time in the King’s Cup clash with Curacao. Following a grueling 10-day preparation period, Stimac has finalized his 23-man squad from an initial pool of over 30 players. The Blue Tigers are eager to showcase their progress and the influence of their new coach. To maximize their offensive potential, India is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 setup featuring several new faces.Indian football. After a tough 10-day preparatory camp that saw Stimac narrow down his preliminary squad of more than 30 players to 23, the Blur Tigers will be eager to make a good impression and showcase what life under the Croat will be like. With plenty of fresh faces in the squad, here’s what India’s starting XI against Curacao may look like in an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has firmly established himself as India's undisputed number one over the last few seasons, and it's highly likely he will maintain that status under Stimac. With a previous spell at the Norwegian club Stabaek, Sandhu brings valuable European experience to the squad. Currently the starting keeper for ISL champions Bengaluru FC, his imposing physical presence makes him a daunting obstacle for any striker.
Rahul Bheke
Rahul Bheke, who plays alongside Sandhu at Bengaluru, is one of the players most likely to thrive under Stimac's leadership. While he was frequently sidelined during Stephen Constantine's tenure, Bheke has long been viewed as one of the country's top full-backs. He offers a great balance of defensive reliability and attacking drive, a quality he famously displayed by scoring in the Hero ISL final. Many fans believe his inclusion in the starting lineup is a long-overdue move.
Sandesh Jhingan
Jhingan has been a cornerstone of the Indian defense for years, and he is expected to retain his spot while building on the foundation laid under Constantine. As a powerful, commanding figure in the air, Jhingan's goal will be to bring more consistency to his game. Furthermore, he now carries the weight of being the veteran leader in the defensive line.
Adil Khan
Adil is another player who stands to gain from Stimac's tactical approach, and his presence will undoubtedly add much-needed strength to the defense. His versatility is a major asset, as he can seamlessly transition between a center-back and a defensive midfield role. It will be exciting to see how he adapts to the international stage, especially since his ability to score from set-pieces adds an extra dimension to India's attack.
Subhasish Bose
At 23, this full-back has become a vital part of both Bengaluru and the national team. He is known for his high energy and his tendency to push forward and attack the wings without sacrificing his defensive duties. That said, he still needs to refine his delivery and decision-making in the final third—an area where Stimac will likely push him to improve.
Pronay Halder
Halder will likely act as the defensive screen, sitting right in front of the back four to break up opposition play. While his role as a hard-tackling destroyer isn't the most glamorous position on the pitch, it is absolutely critical. By doing the 'dirty work' and disrupting the opponent, he provides the security and freedom necessary for India's creative players to push forward.
Anirudh Thapa
Thapa is a technically gifted midfielder whose composure and decision-making are far beyond his 21 years. After playing a key role in Chennaiyin FC’s second ISL title win, he is poised to become a more influential figure for the national team under Stimac. Having already integrated into the senior setup, he'll be looking to elevate his game further with the Blue Tigers.
Sahal Abdul Samad
Sahal was one of the standout performers of the last ISL season and the primary bright spot for Kerala Blasters, leading to a quick call-up to the national side. Although he is still developing, his grit and ability to keep the ball under pressure are qualities India has lacked recently. As the 2018-19 ISL Emerging Player, his growth over the coming seasons will be a fascinating narrative to follow.
Udanta Singh
Udanta is no longer just a fast young prospect; he has evolved into an experienced veteran of the squad. Even so, at only 22, he still possesses the agility and trickery to leave defenders trailing in his wake. Having spent most of the Constantine era in the senior team, the challenge now is to reach a new level of performance under the guidance of the Croatian coach.
Sunil Chhetri
As the all-time leading scorer for India, Sunil Chhetri is the natural choice to lead the attack. Now the team's senior figure at 34, Chhetri still plays with the intensity and passion of a newcomer. Under Stimac, he will likely balance his on-field contributions with a mentorship role, helping to guide the younger players and prepare the next generation of Indian strikers.
Michael Soosairaj
Soosairaj is one of the most exciting young wingers in the game, and calls for his inclusion have been loud for two years. While Constantine overlooked him, Stimac is giving him his first shot at senior international football. The 24-year-old is incredibly fast and confident, as evidenced by the four goals he scored from the wings for Jamshedpur FC last season. His ability to beat his man and create chances makes him a dangerous addition to the squad.
Written by: Andre Pitts