Four surprising omissions from India squad for Bhubaneshwar camp

The provisional squad was announced on the 4th of May.

Indian national team head coach Igor Stimac announced the provisional squad for the national camp ahead of the Intercontinental Cup next month. The squad contained a list of 41 players, who will all join the national team camp in Bhubaneshwar on the 15th of May.

Whilst there are a number of players who are featuring for the very first time in the national squad, there are some names, who despite having a pretty decent season, have failed to convince the head coach and have been left out of the National Camp.

So, let’s take a look at four such players

Halicharan Narzary

Halicharan Narzary had a very positive 2022-23 season, and helped Hyderabad challenge Mumbai City as the Nizams lost out on penalties to ATK Mohun Bagan in the semi-finals.

Narzary scored three goals and assisted six, all the whilst being a major force down the left hand side of the field for Hyderabad. The 28-year-old had a major role to play in Hyderabad’s incredible season, and it has been a real surprise to learn that he has been left out of the national squad.

Akash Sangwan

Akash’s exclusion from the National camp, was arguably the most questionable. Akash had an incredible breakthrough season with Chennaiyin, one that saw him become one of the most important players in Brdaric’s team. 

Sangwan was impactful on both ends of the field - guarding the backline and playing creative and progressing passes to open up the play. With five assists to his name and an average of 4.5 successful duels per game, it is truly a pity that he hasn’t been selected for the National team.

Boris Thangjam

23-year-old Boris Thangjam was one of Jamshedpur’s standout performers, in an off-colour season for the Men of Steel. Boris played a total of 20 games in the league this season and was a major force in the midfield. His tireless pressing and commitment were something that was appreciated by the onlookers, and he also had two goals and one assist to his name.

Also, Boris played a crucial role in Jamshedpur’s semi-final qualification in the Hero Super Cup, as he scored two important goals against ISL Champions ATK Mohun Bagan, and was at the very top of his game.

Hormipam Ruivah

22-year-old Ruivah had an industrious season with the Tuskers. The centre-Back featured in almost all of Kerala Blasters' games this season and impressed the lot with his incredible positioning and solid stature. Ruivah's aerial abilities were also at point, and it is difficult to comprehend why he was secluded from the squad.