International Friendly: India 2-2 Bangladesh - Five talking points

Balwant didn’t get the opportunity he deserved

With a combined total of 12 goals in the I-League and Federation Cup, Balwant Singh got his maiden call-up to the national team but was denied a start. Robin Singh got the nod beside Sunil and to be fair to Wim Koevermans, the two combined well for the opening goal. But barring the assist, Robin was ineffective upfront and even wasted a couple of great opportunities. Balwant was only brought on after the hour mark and then with India conceding the second, he was switched to the left flank with Alywn George operating behind Sunil. Balwant never looked comfortable on the left flank and thus didn’t have any impact on his international debut. Despite the Churchill Brothers player’s consistency in the I-League, it looks like he still hasn’t completely won the trust of Koevermans.