Asian Cup 2019: 5 players who could be India's secret weapon

As the year coming to an end, Indian football team are aiming to write a new chapter on the record books with their performance in the Asian Cup.

India, who have qualified in this tournament after eight years, will be hoping to deliver their best performance this time. With some talented players in the squad, the dream is possible.

Coach Stephen Constantine made some questionable selections. He left Lallianzuala Chhangte and Farukh Choudhary out of the team, leaving a few options for wing-play.

Michael Soosairaj, Rahul Bheke and Joby Justin have not been called altogether, inviting criticisms from all the corner.

Controversies aside, this is the time to think about something new. India are placed in Group A with hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain. Two of them are ranked below the Indians. If they can produce their normal performance, then a pre-quarterfinal berth is not impossible.

Let us look at the key players of the team who can achieve the glory:

#5 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Termed as the go-to man in the squad, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is an automatic choice for this team. The goalkeeper, who has earned the trust from the coach, has been in the national team for quite some time now. Having made his national team debut in 2011 Asian Cup, the goalkeeper has improved himself from leaps and bounds.

India would be facing hosts UAE, along with Bahrain and Thailand in the upcoming Asian Cup. Considering their rankings, all of them would be tough to face as they have some world class players on their ranks.

Gurpreet, who has the experience of European football, thanks to his stint with Stabaek FC, is the perfect person to stand under the bar. He is probably having his best form of life right now. Be it for his club Bengaluru FC or Indian team, Gurpreet has stamped his authority.

Bengaluru have conceded least number of goals in this Indian Super League season so far and credit goes to Gurpreet for pulling off some scintillating saves. His most recent memorable performance was against China, with whom India played a historic friendly couple of months ago.

Against a higher-ranked and technically superior opponent, Gurpreet gave his level best with at least nine brilliant saves, as India held China to a goal-less draw. He may have only 26 caps to his name, but he kept 13 clean sheets, which is a great achievement.

The Chamkaur-born is brilliant in the air with his reflexes and his distribution too is helpful for the teammates. If he can overcome his weakness in low and short balls, it will only help the team to dream further.

#4 Sandesh Jhingan

A revelation from the Indian Super League, Sandesh Jhingan is a famous name for Indian football fanatics. The Keralite has made himself a regular member for the national set-up with his excellent performance in every match.

India have always suffered due to the failure of the defenders on crucial moments. Jhingan reduced the pressure with his antics on the field. Whenever he takes the field, Jhingan gives his 100 per cent. Be it a friendly or a competitive match, his focus remains the same.

Being a tall person with good physique, he can take on any strikers. He has a superb technique and his tackles are also strong. His work-rate is also impressive.

He produced a memorable performance against China in the friendly in October. Against superior opponents, Jhingan never allowed them much space to play. He made useful tackles to leave the opponent players frustrated.

Jhingan has not produced his best performance in the ISL and many are questioning his ability before the Asian Cup. The quadrennial tournament is the stage for the Keralite to shut the mouth of his doubters.

#3 Udanta Singh

Probably the most talented youngster in the squad, Udanta provides different options for coach ahead of the Asian Cup. He is in a terrific form for his club Bengaluru FC and one would only hope that he carries the same form in the most important tournament for India in recent times.

With age on his side, Udanta is one of the fastest players on the field. Operating from the right wing, Udanta can speed past opponents and deliver delightful crosses, which could easily be converted into goal. On that note, he is very useful from counter attacks.

Even for his club Bengaluru, it is Udanta who creates most of the chances from the wing through counter attacks. Given opportunity, he would also help the team by scoring goals. Udanta is also effective from set-pieces.

One of the main concerns for him will be the inexperience to play at bigger stages. If he can keep the concentration throughout the match, it will help the team immensely.

#2 Ashique Kuruniyan

After his excellent performance for FC Pune City, Kuruniyan was called for the national team earlier this year and since then, he kept improving. He was in superb form in Inter-continental Cup and gained much experience of playing against an international team.

Pune City may not have performed as expected but Kuruiyan stole the limelight with his efforts on the field. He can run fast, cut inside and take shot from distance. Despite not having a great physique, Kuruniyan doesn’t fear from taking on opponent defenders.

Kuruniyan proved his mettle in the friendly against Jordan. Coming on as a substitute in the half-time, Kuruniyan changed the complexion of the game. India, who were busy in defending, suddenly got the boost and started attacking. Almost all the chances were created by Kuruniyan on the left-side.

As Lallianzuala Chhangte will not be a part of the final squad, options are very few in Stephen Constantine’s hand. Kuruniyan will have to take more responsibility.

#1 Sunil Chhetri

The Indian captain has already proved what he can deliver on the field. Being the most important person of the squad, this Asian Cup will be now or never for him. It doesn’t mean that he is aiming the title, but a respectable performance will also see him going out as a legend.

Chhetri was part of 2011 Asian Cup squad and witnessed India’s terrible campaign. In the last eight years, Chhetri has totally changed himself. He is now more matured and responsible on the field.

Above all, he has changed his playing style complete. His antics on the field remind us of a player of European football culture. He is a prime example of what hard work and perseverance. Two brief foreign stints with Kansas City Wizards and Sporting CP have helped him immensely.

He is third in the list of active goalscorers, level with Lionel Messi and behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Being one of the most clinical footballers within the box, it is expected that Chhetri will increase his goalscoring tally in the next month.

He is a great leader and always encourages his teammates on tough situations. He sets an example for them with his own performance. He has a good relation with all the players, including those who consider Chhetri as their idol.

Also, he is most popular player in the country. All eyes will be on Chhetri whenever India take field in the Asian Cup.

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari