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

#2 Rahul Bheke

Bheke didn't play well in India colours

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.