Five players who deserve a maiden call up in the next Indian football team camp

There are plenty of talented individuals who deserve a call-up to represent the country

The AFC Asian Cup 2024 is fast approaching and the Indian men’s senior national team needs hungry players full of unwavering willpower to compete in it. The challenges on the international level are on a different level in terms of difficulty and only determined individuals can stand the pressure of such games. Having said that, despite the unforgiving nature of top-tier football, every Indian footballer has a dream, which is to represent the country on the international stage.

Igor Stimac, head coach of the Indian men’s senior national team, is always on the lookout for young talent to incorporate into the squad. He has given national team debuts to several players who had breakthrough seasons in recent years.

The current crop of players also includes some notable individuals who deserve a call-up in the next national camp for Team India. Here is a look at five of them:

Sachin Suresh

Stepping in the shoes of Prabhsukhan Gill was never an easy task but Sachin Suresh has exceeded all expectations at Kerala Blasters FC. The custodian has already won the passionate KBFC fans over with his consistent performance way beyond his years in the Indian Super League.

The local boy, who is only 22 years old, is the pride of Kerala and is making a strong case to be called up to the national team. He recently saved a penalty from Diego Mauricio for KBFC in the ISL which turned the game around and helped his team defeat Odisha FC. Such vigour is desperately required for the Indian team.

Aakash Sangwan

Aakash Sangwan usually goes under the radar when it comes to talented Indian fullbacks. However, he enjoys praise from the football experts with a keen eye for talent. Chennaiyin FC’s first-choice left-back has incredible endurance and the will to better himself further.

The 28-year-old can be a breath of fresh air in the national team and certainly deserves a call-up to the camp. 

Parthib Gogoi

Parthib Gogoi is one of the main reasons behind NorthEast United FC’s strong start to the 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League. The striker left the fans awe-struck by his exquisite finishing from long range. He scored in the opening three games successively for the Highlanders.

The 20-year-old has incredible potential and possesses all the qualities needed in a modern attacking winger. He deserves a call-up to the national team which will surely further his development and make his attacking approach multi-dimensional.

Jay Gupta

Jay Gupta’s hunger and determination to succeed with FC Goa is a joy to watch. The left-back has erupted onto the scene in the ISL 2023-24 in some style. His recent performance against Bengaluru FC where the Gaurs kept a clean sheet for the first time in their history at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium left plenty of Indian football enthusiasts with raised eyebrows.

Jay Gupta has all the qualities of a modern full-back. He loves to venture forward and contribute in attack while simultaneously doing his defensive duties expertly. Furthermore, Manolo Marquez’s stamp of approval for Gupta makes for a huge case for his national team call-up.

Jiteshwor Singh

Jiteshwor Singh’s aggressiveness in midfield can be extremely useful for the Indian team. The Chennaiyin FC midfielder is extremely popular with the fans for his work ethic and the tendency to give everything on the field.

Jiteshwor Singh is only 21-years-old and has a high ceiling. He needs to play at the highest level which will give him invaluable experience and polish his overall gameplay.