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

New generation yet to step up

The Indian national team currently is a work in progress and that has been highlighted in their group stage performances also. Only six of the 20-member squad had 20 or more caps at international level prior to the tournament and that inexperience has been evident. Previous editions of the SAFF Championship has created new stars for India like IM Vijayan, Bhaichung Bhutia and most recently Gouramangi Singh. So Indian football fans must have hoped that some youngsters would step up and make a name for themselves at SAFF 2013.

But that unfortunately hasn’t happened as the likes of Arnab Mondal, Lenny Rodrigues, Jewel Raja have looked a little overawed. While Arnab has been solid overall some mistakes have been glaring like his tendency to go for the final tackles. Lenny too hasn’t been at his best and lost his place in the starting eleven against Nepal. Both of these players had consistent I-League campaigns but haven’t made the successful transition to international football yet. Jewel Raja too hasn’t impressed but has been used out of position just like Jeje Lalpekhlua while Alwyn George has only been used for one half and has failed to show his capabilities.

With experienced players like Sunil, Subrata Pal and Gouramangi not in the best of forms and Nabi struggling to get into the team, the youngsters will have to raise their game. The new generation hasn’t stepped up yet but possibly the absence of Sunil will see one of them take responsibility and inspire India to the final.