AFC Asian Cup 2019: The Unpicked XI for India - Rahul Bheke, Soosairaj big misses

Central Defensive Midfielder - Harmanjot Singh Khabra (Bengaluru FC)

Harmanjot Singh Khabra is the unsung hero for Bengaluru FC

Harmanjot Singh Khabra has represented India twice - against Guam and Iran in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers - and was dropped thereafter. This season, he has rejuvenated himself in the Bengaluru FC setup and has provided 3 assists in 10 matches.

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Central Defensive Midfielder - Lenny Rodrigues (FC Goa)

Lenny Rodrigues is instrumental in FC Goa's strategy from building from the back

What Khabra does for Bengaluru, Lenny Rodrigues does successfully for FC Goa, helping the team build the attack from the back. The 31-year-old has made 22 appearances for the senior team already and his experience will be missed at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The midfielder has a staggering passing accuracy of 85.56% and average passes of 57.5 to his name.

One vital weakness of the Indian senior team is the inability of the midfielders to hold the ball. Had Lenny Rodrigues been in the squad, the Indian team could have gained the composure they are missing.

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Central Attacking Midfielder - Seiminlen Doungel (Kerala Blasters)

Seiminlen Doungel has 3 assists for Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters are winless in 10 games, drawing six in the process. If it weren't for the brilliance of Seiminlen Doungel, the Yellow Brigade would have been on the losing side on all the occasions. The 24-year-old has mainly made the appearances from the bench and his pace is difficult for the oppositions to contain.

With 3 assists and 1 goal to his name, the 24-year-old failed to make it to the final list of Stephen Constantine. Till then, he gets a spot in the Unpicked XI.