Five players who should be called up to upcoming Indian Football team camp

These individuals were impressive for their respective clubs in the 2022-23 season.

The Indian football team will begin its preparations for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers by holding a national team camp. The conclusion of the 2022-23 football season will allow Igor Stimac to spend a good amount of time with players and train for the crucial AFC Asian Cup event in Qatar.

There are plenty of individuals who deserve a Indian Football team call-up. Their performances across the 2022-23 season in the Durand Cup, the Indian Super League and the Hero Super Cup were impressive. Igor Stimac’s team selection is set to play a huge role in India’s success in the fixtures later in June 2023.

The following five players made a mark for their respective teams in the domestic scene. These figures definitely deserve a call-up to the national camp and then if they prove their worth, to play for the Indian football team.

Lalchungnunga

Lalchungnunga’s rise in recent years is quite impressive. The centre-back played for East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League. In a team that struggles for wins, he came out with flying colours. The defender relied on his strength to outmuscle forwards and is also a sharp reader of the game.

All these qualities make him a brilliant centre-back. He can also put a shift as a wide defender if the coach requires it. He is a mainstay in the EBFC squad, playing extensively for the club in both the ISL and the Hero Super Cup.

Pratik Chaudhari

Pratik Chaudhari was one of the key figures that took Jamshedpur FC to the semi-finals of the 2023 Super Cup. The Men of Steel had a positive finish to the ISL season and the defender was at the heart of it due to his consistent performances.

Despite his age, Pratik Chaudhari has bundles of energy. He can contain any striker with his physicality and also win aerial duels with his prowess in the air. Furthermore, the 33-year-old is a threat in the attacking third during set-piece situations with his heading ability.

Udanta Singh

Udanta Singh had a successful season with Bengaluru FC. His performances were vital to the club reaching three finals across the Durand Cup, the ISL playoffs and the Hero Super Cup during the 2022-23 season. A huge section of the fans are expecting his involvement in the national camp.

Udanta Singh has not represented the Indian football team for a while now and has only one goal for the Blue Tigers. Igor Stimac ought to put his trust in the winger once again and give him a call-up to the national camp. 

Emil Benny

Emil Benny was one of the star performers from NorthEast United FC’s excellent 2023 Hero Super Cup campaign. The Highlanders had a season to forget in the ISL but they got to the semi-finals of the Super Cup which took many by surprise. However, it was due to sheer hard work and Benny was one of the key figures.

The midfielder has utility. He can play as a No.10 or in a wider role. His energy and creativity make him a very useful player, one that Igor Stimac can get the best out of. 

Nandhakumar Sekar

Nandhakumar Sekar is yet to make his debut for the senior national team. The Odisha FC winger had a positive ending to the 2022-23 season. His goals for OFC were crucial in helping the team reach the final of the Super Cup. He scored a brace in the semi-final which took the team to its first-ever final. He also put in a brilliant shift in the final, helping his club to its first-ever trophy.

Nandhakumar Sekar is a brilliant finisher as well. He can cut inwards from the left flank and also has the ability to deliver accurate crosses into the box. His inclusion will add an extra option and depth to the wing-forward role, a role that is vital to how Igor Stimac’s team attacks.