SAFF Championship 2013: Five things we learned about India from the group stage

Nabi should be a starter

Wim Koevermans has received a lot of criticism for his team selection in this tournament but the Dutchman has got the maximum stick from fans, media and ex-players for the exclusion of reigning AIFF Player of the Year Syed Rahim Nabi from the starting eleven in the first two games. Koevermans has failed to explain this decision conclusively and has started Nallappan Mohanraj in every game although the player hasn’t had much competitive action in the last two years.

However, Nabi has responded to his exclusion positively as he came on and did a great job at left back against Pakistan. His introduction in that game coincided with India’s improved second half display but was still overlooked for the Bangladesh game in which he didn’t feature at all. Nabi finally started in right midfield against Nepal due to Francis Fernandes’ injury and also shifted to the other flank during the game.

India looked much secure defensively on the flank that he was operating and Nabi also scored India’s first goal from open play in this tournament and following Sunil’s suspension, he is the best available match winner Koevermans has at his disposal. It’s good that Koevermans doesn’t want to make a selection based on reputation but Nabi has proved himself again and deserves a starting berth. If India want to reach the final, he should be one of the first names on the Dutch coach’s team list