India vs Jordan International Friendly: The unpicked Indian XI

#8 Aibanbha Dohling (Shillong Lajong)

The Shillong lad ensured Aizawl didn't score in the run of play

A little was known about Aibanbha and the Shillong side when they faced Aizawl FC in their I-League opener. But, he ensured that the viewers remembered his name, or at least his jersey number when he kept Ansumanah Kromah and Leonce Dodoz Zikahi in check. The 22-year-old cleared away every long ball and danger with both his feet, something that is essential for every centre back.

Stephen Constantine has received a lot of criticism in the past for including Sarthak Golui and Salam Ranjan Singh in the squad over other deserving centre-backs. One ought to note that even in the game against China, he experimented with left-back Subhasish Bose in the pivotal position.

While India was lucky to get away with it, it can't be the strategy in the long run. India desperately needs a proper centre-back in case Anas or Sandesh gets injured. With age on his side, Aibanbha is a viable option. But, until then, he gets a place in our Unpicked XI.