SAFF Championship 2023 Final: India’s probable playing XI vs Kuwait

Some important players will be back in the line-up in the SAFF Championship final.

India will take on Kuwait in the ultimate game of the 2023 SAFF Championship, at the Sree Kanteerava, on Tuesday. Both India and Kuwait have done a tremendous job throughout the tournament, and are now looking at taking the final step towards silverware.

On Tuesday, India will have the opportunity to bring about a fairy-tale climax to their incredible international camp, which saw the team gain nationwide support and appreciation for their incredible performances.

With the stakes being higher than ever, and with the bittersweet narrative of glory and revenge on the line, Igor Stimac will certainly look to field his strongest starting XI. With that said, let’s take a look at India’s probable starting XI, for Tuesday’s final against Kuwait.

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Throughout the SAFF Championship 2023, Igor has been pretty flexible with his starting goalkeeper, and has allowed a real tussle between Gurpreet and Amrinder. But with the incredible stakes that surround the final on Tuesday, it is absolutely ascertained that Gurpreet will be given the responsibility in between the sticks for India. 

Gurpreet proved his worth in the semi-final against Lebanon, as he made some vital saves, and also stopped Hassan Maatouk’s penalty in the shootout. 

Right-back: Nikhil Poojary

Nikhil has been delivering incredible performances for India week in week out, and has done enough to consolidate a place in the right-back position. Nikhil’s defensive abilities, helped India invariably against Kuwait in the group fixture, and is a testament to what he can offer on Tuesday. Also, Nikhil's ability to run with the ball at his feet, and play decent diagonal balls is something India can very well benefit from.

Central Defender: Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan has been in fine form this season, and is the main man for India at the back. The experienced centre-back has not only helped India achieve a tremendous feat of eight clean sheets in a row, but has also helped other players around him evolve. Sandesh has helped in India’s backline organisation tremendously, and it is due to his mentality and character that India’s defence has conceded only once throughout the tournament (that too an own goal).

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Central Defender: Anwar Ali

Despite his unfortunate own goal against Kuwait a week ago, Anwar Ali has certainly redeemed himself, after a fine shift against Lebanon despite Sandesh’s absence. Also, Sandesh and Anwar have a lot of understanding between them, and gel together perfectly. 

The two have emerged as Igor’s ideal centre-back pairing, and it is extremely unlikely that the Croatian will choose otherwise on Tuesday.

Left-back: Akash Mishra

Undoubtedly, Akash Mishra deserves a place in the starting XI against Kuwait. His superb gameplay after coming on against Lebanon caught every eye. His pace and sturdy defending will come handy in the SAFF Championship final.

Defensive Midfielder: Jeakson Singh

In the absence of Apuia, Jeakson Singh seems to be the perfect fit in the Indian team. Despite a lot of competition from Rohit Kumar, Jeakson has superimposed himself, and is now a regular starter for India. The player helps the defence tremendously, and also has a good connection with his Kerala Blasters’ teammate Sahal, which in the process yields a fluid midfield. 

Central Midfielder: Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa is a key component in the Indian midfield. He helps substantially in majority of India’s forward plays. Anirudh’s creativity and fine passing makes him the perfect distributor of the ball, and he seldom disappoints. Also, his presence takes the pressure off Sahal, who can then have the amount of freedom he demands on the pitch in order to work his magic.

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Attacking Midfielder: Sahal Abdul Samad

Sahal is the biggest creative mastermind for India on the pitch, and is the player you look up to, for some magic, as mentioned earlier. Sahal’s incredible dribbling and quick feet have helped India time and again both in the Hero Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship. The same will be expected from the player on Tuesday. 

Right Wing: Lallianzuala Chhangte

Chhangte’s presence in the wings is crucial for India on Tuesday, as the player always guarantees quality in passing as well as in crossing. Also, Chhangte's connection with both Poojary and Akash has been finely nurtured throughout the span of this tournament, and this understanding between the players can prove to be beneficial for the Blues.

Left Wing: Naorem Mahesh Singh

Mahesh’s inclusion in the line-up can come up as a surprise for some, but in reality the 24-year-old has every right to start for India on Tuesday. Mahesh has been extremely impressive whenever given a start, or brought on from the bench. He also has two goals contributions to his name in the SAFF Championship. On the pitch, Mahesh’s passing and crossing abilities are top-notch, and his decision-making in the final third is also impeccable.

Striker: Sunil Chhetri

The Man, the myth, the legend - Sunil Chhetri, the most prolific goal-scorer in the history of Indian football, and the reason India have come so far in the competition. With five goals so far in the 2023 SAFF Championship, it is an absolute no-brainer that Sunil’s place in the line-up is unchangeable. 

Sunil’s poacher instincts, and his world class finishing guarantees you goals, and India need to count on their main man once again on Tuesday night, if they want to lift that glittering piece of silverware under the floodlight of the Kanteerava.