Indian football team defender Sandesh Jhingan looks more than confident as India focuses on AFC Asian Cup qualification. Sandesh believes that the team’s strength lies in its collective spirit and bonding.
India looked on and off the beat when we talked about international football. Even though individual performance looked good in ISL, team performance is what matters.
Uneven Performance of the Indian Team
The team in blue hasn’t been able to put a collective performance in more than 2 matches for a very long time. Now, India focuses on the AFC Asian Cup qualification, the collective team effort.
India’s goalless draw to Bangladesh, which is ranked 30 positions below them, along with a good win of 3-0 against the Maldives, shows that the team has been good in bits and pieces.
Following the draw to Bangladesh, the Indian team’s defensive side did wake up, and they secured back-to-back clean sheets. But playing out clean sheets and draws doesn’t do the Blue Tigers any good.
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Indian Football Team: The Good and The Ugly
Although the recent performances might not warrant a strong case, the past has been good. In the year 2023, Indian football showed bright signs.
They won the SAFF Championship, the Intercontinental Cup, and the Tri-Nation Series. Some good and some ugly football matches have also been played.The biggest one was the group’s exit from the AFC Asian Cup in January 2023. Despite huge losses, Sandesh feels the team’s foundation remains strong and urged fans to support them.
It will be unfair to overlook what Sandesh Jhingan has to say. Being the mainstay of India’s defense for over a decade now, Sandesh feels that clean sheets aren’t what the team targets.
While the defense did well, we need to strike and win games. As India focuses on AFC Asian Cup qualification, Jhingan also said that the defense, midfield and striker need to play collectively.
According to the defence, pointing out a single player isn’t the right thing to do. Jhingan says the team needs to perform well to reach the top and find success.
What’s Next For The Indian Football Team?
In the future, India will face the likes of Hong Kong. The Bengaluru FC head coach, Ashley Westwood, will be coaching Hong Kong, and he does know a thing or two about Indian football.
While India won against Hong Kong 4-0 in their latest encounter in Kolkata in the 2023 Asian Cup Qualification, Sandesh feels history has nothing to do with what is in front of them.
The Indian national football team will face Hong Kong on June 10th at Kai Tak Sports Park, Kowloon. Expect a blockbuster match between the two sides.
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