Five new players who should be included in India squad for friendlies

Many youngsters caught attention this season through their stellar performances.

Another season of India's top-tier league - ISL, is nearing its end. Just like any other season, the ISL 2022-23 season too, has been full of excitement, ecstasy, and disappointments. While big clubs like Mumbai and Hyderabad continue to impose their domination, last season's Shield winners Jamshedpur are currently languishing at the bottom half of the table. The season is also witnessing Odisha FC in an all-out race with Bengaluru FC and FC Goa for a coveted playoff spot.

The primary reason behind such a tumultuous season for the clubs is their players. Again, like the previous seasons, the ongoing season brought many young Indian talent to the limelight. Ranging from rock-solid defenders to lightning-fast wingers, the season gave birth to many unsung heroes.

Here, we will take a look at some of these players who deserve a call-up to the India camp.

Ritwik Das

Ritwik Das is one of the bright spots in a bleak season for Jamshedpur FC. He has been in good form with four goals for his side from 16 games. Alongside Chukwu, he is one of the highest goal-scorers for the Men of Steel. The winger has been an influential person in Jamshedpur's attacks as his runs inside the opposition penalty area proved to be a constant threat for many opposition teams.

Consequently, teams like East Bengal were highly keen to secure his signature in summer. Given his form, it is likely that Igor Stimac will call him for the next national team camp to get a first-hand look at the winger's goal-scoring prowess.

Nandhakumar Sekar

Nandhakumar is definitely one of the findings of the season. He has been a part of Odisha FC since the club's inception. However, he had to wait for three seasons before catching the attention of the football stakeholders across the entire country. Currently, he is the second-highest Indian goal-scorer with five goals from 16 games. Many of these goals proved to be crucial to keep Odisha where they are right now on the points table.

His combination play with Mauricio and Jerry (Mawihmingthanga) has been the talk of the town, especially in the initial phase of the league when the trio was in devastating form. Since then, his form has seen some dip. Still, he looks threatening for Odisha in every game and deserves a call-up to the India team.

Mehtab Singh

One of the standout central defenders of this season has been Mehtab Singh. He has played an instrumental role in Mumbai City FC's best league campaign (they are unbeaten in the league so far). The 24-year-old is looking completely at ease playing alongside the likes of Mourtada Fall and Rostyn Griffiths to give his team stability at the back.

The youngster has been confident, sturdy, and rock-solid in Mumbai's defence, making it easier for Des Buckingham to create a strong backline. He possesses good ball-control and takes industrious workload in every game. Thus, it would not be surprising to see Mehtab getting selected for the upcoming India camp.

Sivasakthi Narayanan

Undoubtedly, one of the findings of the season is Sivasakhti Narayanan. He has been in scintillating form right from the days of the Durand Cup. In ISL 2022-23, he has scored four goals in 14 games so far.

What's more? He has replaced Sunil Chhetri as the main Indian striker of Bengaluru FC. Nowadays, it is Sivasakhti who starts games for Bengaluru while Sunil comes on as a substitute. This development gives us a big account of the quality that the 22-year-old forward possesses. With a scarcity of quality Indian strikers, the rise of Sivasakhti comes as a relief for Stimac as the 2023 AFC Asian Cup stares at the Indian team.

Asish Rai

2022-23 has been a dream season for Asish Rai. He has been one of the best players for ATK Mohun Bagan this season and arguably one of the best right-backs in the whole league. He has been good in defence and equally good in aiding the side's attacks.

Despite not being able to get his name on the scoresheet, the Sikkimese full-back looked like he will score on multiple occasions in different games. Thus, it can be said that he possesses all the qualities that a modern-day full-back needs to possess. Given the lack of an established right-back in the Indian national team setup, it is imperative for Stimac to give him a call the next time the national side meets.

Honorary mention

Naorem Mahesh Singh

Naorem Mahesh Singh is having his best ISL season. With seven assists from 16 games, he is currently one of the joint-highest assist providers and the only Indian among the top five. Given the kind of season that East Bengal are having, Naorem Mahesh is one the major positive takeaways for the side from this season.

He is highly adept at making good runs inside the opponents' penalty box, floating in quality crosses, and making sharp through-passes. Going forward, if he works a bit more on scoring, he will definitely become a force to reckon with.

Aakash Sangwan

Aakash Sangwan is another player to feature on this list from a club that is having a poor season (Chennaiyin FC). He has been good in the left-back position for the Marina Machans and provided stability on the left side of their defence. He has also been good in making forward runs and aiding the side's attacks whenever required.

The left-back is adept at whipping in good crosses that can create danger in the opponents' penalty area. Hence, with proper guidance, he may become one of the most exciting left-backs in India.