AFC Asian Cup 2019: The Unpicked XI for India - Rahul Bheke, Soosairaj big misses

Centre Back - Joyner Laurenco (Mumbai City FC)

Joyner Lourenco has 45 clearances in 7 appearances

Joyner Lourenco wasn't supposed to be representing Mumbai City FC at the Indian Super League. An untimely injury to Davinder Singh ruled him out of the entire season and, Jorge Costa signed him. The 27-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in 7 games and has made 45 clearances, 19 blocks, 10 interceptions, and 21 tackles.

The defender represented India in the 2014 Asian Games and could have been handed his senior team debut in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Till then, he gets a spot in out Unpicked XI.

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Centre Back - Gaurav Bora (Chennai City FC)

Gaurav Bora has struck a brilliant partnership with Roberto Eslava on the heart of the defence

Chennai City FC has done a brilliant job in molding the Indian youngsters of their team. Most of the I-League clubs resort to a centre-back pairing of two foreigners as their physicality could come handy in vital situations. But, Akbar Nawas has entrusted Gaurav Bora to partner Roberto Eslava in the heart of the defence and, he hasn't disappointed the coach.

Gaurav Bora initially played as a midfielder in the B team of Pune City in the I-League 2nd Division. Having transitioned successfully into a centre-back, the 20-year-old failed to make the cut for UAE. Till then, he gets a spot in the Unpicked XI.