King's Cup: India 1-0 Thailand - 5 Talking Points as Blue Tigers finish third

#1 India need a solid striker in Chhetri’s absence

Jeje's injury deprived India a solid striker

India captain Sunil Chhetri was rested by Stimac and Balwant Singh took his place. Balwant, who didn’t have a fruitful season with ATK, has surely left his best years behind him. He is now only a pale shadow of himself and doesn’t fit in this Indian team which promotes exuberance.

Before he was replaced in the second half, Balwant made only few touches and didn’t do anything that would help him retain his place in the team. His replacement Manvir Singh was much more lively on the field.

Balwant could’ve scored India’s second goal in the first half had Farukh not made a basic mistake, when he got the weight of his pass wrong. Farukh got a long ball from the Indian defence and he only had goalkeeper to beat. However, he suddenly slowed down and tried to pass it to Balwant who was running parallel on the right side. The pass was too casual and easily intercepted by a Thailand defender.

Former coach Stephen Constantine played Ashique Kuruniyan as a striker in the Asian Cup and it was a success. There is Jeje Lalpekhlua. But both of them are injured right now.

Stimac perhaps made a mistake by releasing Jobby Justin who is adept to this kind situation. His positioning, technique and quick responses would’ve made him a better choice.