AFC Asian Cup 2019: Where are India's 2011 AFC Asian Cup stars now?

Strikers- Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri will lead India in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup

Sunil Chhetri was India's leading goalscorer in the 2011 edition and is expected to be the same in the upcoming quadrennial extravaganza. The Bengaluru FC captain has already represented India 102 times and is the third leading goalscorer in international football when only active players are taken into account.

This season, the 34-year-old has found the back of the net five times and is the fourth in the 'Golden Boot' race in the ISL.

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Strikers- Abhishek Yadav

Abhishek Yadav (holding the shoulders of Bhaichung Bhutia) was the target man for India in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup

Before India had Robin Singh, Manvir Singh, or Sumeet Passi to play as the target man, the Blue Tigers had Abhishek Yadav. The 38-year-old drew out the defenders and freed the space for Sunil Chhetri. He came on as a substitute in the opener against Australia and started the game against Bahrain and South Korea.

Abhishek Yadav is currently the Technical Director of the senior team and was the Chief Operating Officer of India's U-17 World Cup team. The former Mahindra United striker played a key role in scouting the youngsters for the tournament and arranged international matches for their exposure.

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Strikers- Baichung Bhutia

Baichung Bhutia was injured and made only one appearance in the tournament

After flunking his school at the age of 15 and becoming the footballing icon of India, Baichung Bhutia was tasked to lead the pack in India's 2011 Asian Cup campaign. However, an untimely injury resulted in the responsibility being handed to Sunil Chhetri. The Sikkimese Sniper substituted Abhishek Yadav in the 78th minute in India's match against South Korea.

After announcing his retirement from Indian football in a farewell match against Bayern Munich, Baichung Bhutia opened his own football club United Sikkim. The side got promoted from the Second Division in 2012 and played in the 2012-13 I-League. However, in 2014, Baichung decided that the club would only participate in local competitions.

The football legend also contested the 2012 and 2016 West Bengal state elections from a Trinamool Congress ticket and has a biopic ready to be released.

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Strikers- Mohammed Rafi

Mohammed Rafi is currently with Chennaiyin FC

Mohammed Rafi was the last of the four strikers Bob Houghton had chosen in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. The then Churchill Brothers striker started the match against Australia in their 0-4 loss, but was substituted in the 78th minute by Abhishek Yadav and never made an appearance again.

The 36-year-old club went on to play for Mumbai FC in the I-League, and ATK and Kerala Blasters in the ISL. Currently, he is plying his trade for Chennaiyin FC in the ISL but has made only one appearance.