Page 4 - AFC Asian cup 2019 - India's predicted XI

Striker - Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri started the Indian Super League season slowly but has been outstanding in the last few weeks for the Blues. The skipper is the highest scorer in country's history and is expected to cement his place in the starting eleven.

It is no doubt that India's most coruscating striker is Sunil Chhetri who is versatile to play anywhere around the front line. He was not part of India's friendly against Jordan last time, but he is expected to take the responsibility in front of the goal. Talent Sumeet Passi will be finding himself on the bench.

Striker - Jeje Lalpekhlua

Sunil Chhetri's compatriot Jeje Lalpekhlua has been struggling to find the back of the net this season. The Chennaiyin FC striker is yet to break his deadlock this season albeit playing 11 games this term.

It has been a frustrating season for Chennaiyin FC as a whole because they are currently in the rock bottom with 5 points from 12 games. It is no brainer that Jeje would require supply because he is more of a holdup player than a striker who likes to run behind the defenders. If he continues his torrid form during the Asian Cup, Balwant Singh will fancy his chances in the starting eleven.

About the author

Sudarshan has been covering European and Indian football for Sportskeeda for
around 9 years. An Information Technology graduate and a post-graduate in International Business Operations, he has previously worked with Chennai Super Kings, Chennai City FC and the SunRisers Hyderabad handling their social media for OPN Advertising and Ting Labs. He has also travelled with the SunRisers for around 2 years, shooting content and interviewing stars such as David Warner, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Jonny Bairstow.

An ardent Liverpool supporter since 2008, Sudarshan's favorite footballer is Steven Gerrard, who impressed with his unmatched leadership during the Reds' challenging periods. His favorite manager is Jurgen Klopp as the German's connection with fans and preference for high-intensity football resonates with him. Sudarshan aims to better analyze football matches by relying on websites like FotMob and DataMB and excels in swiftly covering breaking news events.

Mario Gotze's winner in the 2014 final is Sudarshan’s favorite FIFA World Cup moment, and believes that Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham could emerge as the successors to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. When not writing, he enjoys binge-watching movies, learning new skills to enhance his professional development, and participating in marathons.

Know More

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari