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With the King's Cup just around the corner, the Indian national team has been working overtime to prepare for the four-nation event. Set to battle Thailand, Vietnam, and Curacao, this marks the debut tournament for Igor Stimac in his role as head coach. The Croatian manager has put together an initial 37-man roster, blending several fan-favorites from the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) and the Hero I-League. Let's dive into a few of these selections and see exactly what they bring to the table.Indian national team have amplified their preparations for the four-nation tournament. Going up against the likes of Thailand, Vietnam and Curacao, this will be Igor Stimac’s first tournament as head coach of the Indian national team. The Croat has named a preliminary 37-man squad, which includes a few fan-favourites from the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) and Hero I-League. Here, we have a look at a select few and how they can add value to the team.
Rahul Bheke
At 28, he was a true highlight of the most recent Hero ISL season, making his inclusion in the squad a no-brainer. Fans were baffled when the previous coach, Stephen Constantine, left Bheke out of the AFC Asian Cup squad, but Stimac has corrected that by bringing the Bengaluru FC right-back back into the fold—a move sure to boost morale. Known for his tactical positioning and aggressive tackling, the defender is highly versatile on the flanks. He also possesses a knack for scoring crucial goals, a trait he famously proved by netting the winner against Mumbai City FC in the 2018-19 final.
Michael Soosairaj
Michael Soosairaj of Jamshedpur is another talent who was overlooked by Constantine. Despite being one of the most impactful players for Jamshedpur this season, his overall influence was hampered by a string of unlucky injuries. However, the Tamil Nadu winger is a genuine threat to any defense thanks to his blistering speed and agility. Stimac can look to the 24-year-old to provide a spark and clinical edge on the wings.
Brandon Fernandes
If anyone earned their national team stripes based on last season's performance, it's Brandon Fernandes. The 24-year-old was the heartbeat of Goa's powerhouse attack, helping them secure a Hero ISL final appearance and a Hero Super Cup victory. With impressive statistics to back up his form, he'll be incredibly motivated to make his mark while representing his country.
Jobby Justin
For the 25-year-old from Kerala, a lifelong dream has been realized with his first-ever call-up to the national team under Stimac. Jobby Justin is quickly becoming one of the most exciting prospects in Indian football, having caught the coach's eye by leading the Hero I-League scoring charts with 9 goals. Although his time with East Bengal ended this season, he has since signed with the two-time Hero ISL champions, ATK. With all eyes on him now, this is a perfect opportunity for Justin to prove his worth on both the domestic and international stage.
Sahal Abdul Samad
The most exciting breakthrough of the season has undoubtedly been the rise of young Sahal Abdul Samad. Even though it wasn't the most successful campaign for Kerala Blasters, Sahal shone through as a standout individual. His poise and composure in midfield are exactly what the Indian team has been missing. Having been named the league's emerging player of the season, it's only natural that Stimac decided to give the 22-year-old a chance.
Written by: Nithin John