China 0-0 India: 5 talking points from the match

#3 Indian defence looks strong as usual

Sandesh Jhinghan wore the captain’s armband and led the team from the front (Image Courtesy: AIFF Media)

Before the match, it was anticipated that Indian defence led by Sandesh Jhinghan will have a tough day in office.

They had indeed but came out with flying colours. Their defence looked vulnerable at times but didn’t let a goal slip in.

India coach Stephen Constantine made one change in the team that faced Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup final. He used Subhasish Bose in central defence and Narayan Das as a left-back. That kept Anas Edathodika out of the starting line-up.

The decision didn’t materialise as Subhasish failed to adapt in his new position right from the start.

Though he played as a central defender before, he is naturally left-back. It was only when Anas took the field in place of Narayan, Subhasish got back his natural position. Constantine shouldn’t have made this experiment in a crucial match like this.

Sandesh Jhinghan wore the captain’s armband and led the team from the front. He was brilliant in the first two matchdays of ISL and kept his form intact against China also.

He already developed a superb understanding with Anas it will take enough effort to breach Indian defence.