5 best performers for the Indian National Football Team in 2017

#3 Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan captained India in a friendly against Mauritius

One of the biggest reasons for India's unbeaten run in the Asian Cup qualifiers was their solidity and calmness at the back. And the leader of the Blues was Sandesh Jhingan, India's trusted lieutenant in defence.

Jhingan played a huge part in India keeping three clean sheets in five group games with the center-back marshaling his troops well. He was also a threat for the opposition during set pieces and though the Kerala Blasters man could not get on the score sheet in the qualifiers, he did score one in a 2-0 win over Nepal in a friendly encounter.