Indian football: 5 players who could become regulars under Igor Stimac

After the third-place finish in the Kings Cup invitational tournament in Thailand a month ago, India will embark on a new journey under Igor Stimac, this time at home, in the Hero Intercontinental Cup, starting on Sunday.

India will play the opener against Tajikistan, who are ranked 19 places below them. It will be the second major tournament under new coach Stimac and it will provide an opportunity for the youngsters of the team to showcase their talent once again.

Most of the players who impressed in the Kings Cup are there in the team and have a ‘new’ face in Anas Edathodika, who retired after India’s disappointing ouster at the Asian Cup.

Stimac has earlier promised to give the young players more chance to build their confidence. On that note, Sportskeeda looks at the five players who could become regulars in this Indian team:

#5 Adil Khan

Adil came out with flying colours against Thailand

The Indian team that conceded three goals within a span of 18 minutes against Curacao in the Kings Cup opener proved that something was not right. The presence of a strong central defender was imminent as Rahul Bheke witnessed a horrendous time playing in that position in his debut match for India.

Adil Khan, who returned to the Indian team after a long gap, was deployed in that role in the very next match against Thailand and without a doubt, he came out with flying colours. Not only did he save the day for India, he also assisted the only goal of the match. His performance earned him the player of the match award.

The FC Pune City player would be raring to go in the upcoming Hero Intercontinental Cup. The date happens to be his birthday and Adil would want to cement his place in the Indian team.

However, Anas Edathodika, who hung up his boots after India’s shocking exit from Asian Cup in January, has come out of his retirement to join the national camp. He has since been practicing with the team and may get an opportunity in the starting line-up if coach Igor Stimac considers him to be fit.

In that case, there is a chance Adil will be deployed as defensive midfielder, a position that he occupies for his team FC Pune City. Adil’s ability to block the attackers and provide useful passes might come into consideration.

#4 Brandon Fernandes

His performance with FC Goa in the Indian Super League has caught the eye of many and his debut against Curacao has marked a new life for Goanese midfielder Brandon Fernandes.

For FC Goa, Fernandes formed a beautiful understanding with striker Ferran Corominas, that helped them immensely in reaching the final. For Indian team too he showed glimpses of talent against Curacao.

His off the ball movement and pin-point long crosses has been useful for the Indian team. Left wing has been his natural position and he would exploit every opportunity that comes in his way.

Given the fact that Lallianzuala Chhangte is witnessing an off-form, it would be an opportunity for Fernandes to stamp his place in the Indian team.

While explaining the style of Stimac, Fernandes has recently said,

“The way we were playing, both in the camp and in the King’s Cup was quite similar to how we play at FC Goa. So it was quite easy for me to fit into the system. It’s a style of play which is built on passing the ball, and creating chances.”

#3 Sahal Abdul Samad

The talented Keralite played his first full season for Kerala Blasters FC and his performances was enough for Igor Stimac to call him in the national camp before the Kings Cup tournament. He was even handed debut against Curacao.

But honestly, Sahal failed to live up his reputation. He is considered to be a gem in the midfield and the next big talent for India. But in both the matches in Kings Cup, he failed to do justice with his talent.

In the match against Curacao, he showed too urgency and impatience, and often provided meaningless passes that helped the opposition to claim the possession back. He also lost the ball too many times.

Stimac saw him struggling on the field and eventually replaced him after the break. In the second match, Sahal lost his place in the starting XI and even though made an appearance in the second half, he was largely off-colour.

But that doesn’t mean the end of the road for this youngster. Stimac showed the trust on him and might get his position back when India face Tajikistan. But this time, he needs to control his emotions and do what he does best.

#2 Rahul Bheke

After getting repeatedly ignored by former Indian coach Stephen Constantine, Rahul Bheke’s dream was fulfilled when he was called in the national camp by new coach Igor Stimac. Bheke made his debut against Curacao.

However, the Mumbaikar never thought the debut would be that disastrous. India conceded three goals in the first half itself and for at least two goals, Bheke was at the wrong end.

He could do little though. He was deployed as a central defender by Stimac, a position that the Bengaluru FC star isn’t used to play. As a result, the lack of communication with his partner Sandesh Jhinghan proved costly.

Stimac quickly rectified his mistake and Bheke got back into his natural right-back position in the next match against Thailand.

However, he still looked a little bit shaky and couldn’t perform his usual best. The darting runs was missing from his game and also the crosses didn’t come.

Pritam Kotal has long been playing as the right-back for the Indian team and it would need few eye catching performances from Bheke to cement his place in the team.

#1 Amarjit Singh Kiyam

Among the six players who made their debut for India in the Kings Cup, Amarjit Singh is one of them who performed beyond expectations. His matured game-play and calm composure quickly made him one of the fan favourites.

The first player born in 21st century to make his debut, Amarjit came at a time when India were trailing 1-3 against a much superior Curacao side and on the verge conceding more.

Amarjit quickly restored the solidity in the midfield against physically strong Curacao. Though it didn’t help to improve the scoreline, Amarjit's performance was certainly praised.

He made his first start against Thailand and reigned supreme in the midfield once again. His ability to hold the ball and keep it moving under pressure was excellent.

Thailand were technically strong than India but Amarjit single-handedly blocked their movements.

So impressed by his performance that Stimac went on saying,

“I’m really impressed with how he looks on the pitch, and how mature he looks with respect to his age. The way he plays is something which gives us hope. He along with (Raynier) Fernandes completely changed the game against Curacao.”

“He is among the players we rely on,” Stimac added.

Edited by Alan John