Player Ratings: Chhetri, Brandon win day for India against Bangladesh

This was India's first win in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers.

A stunning flurry of goals by Sunil Chhetri in the dying minutes resulted in a win for India against Bangladesh. The game was heading for a draw, but the Indian captain had other plans as he got on the end of an Ashique Kuruniyan cross in the 79th minute to open the scoring. He then made it two in added-time, as India moved to third in the table.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu- 7.0

Compared to the game against Qatar, Gurpreet had a quiet Monday night. He had two routine saves, but had a largely uneventful 90 minutes.

Sandesh Jhingan- 7.0

Dependable performance from the experienced center-back. Jhingan played an ideal cover role for both Chinglensana Singh and Subhasish Bose, making two key interceptions and four clearances. He was also accurate with 88% of his passes, allowing for build-up of attacks to happen from the defence.

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Chinglensana Singh- 6.5

Had a quirky start, but solidified his confidence as the game progressed. The Hyderabad FC defender should have made it 1-0 in India’s favour, but his valiant header was cleared off the line. He looked very comfortable on the ball and was always looking to advance the ball forwarded when he was afforded the space to do the same.

Subhasish Bose- 6.0

Subhasish looked the most shaky out of all the three center-backs. He seemed unwilling to utilize the space in front of him as the free defender and also made questionable decisions while on the ball.

Udanta Singh- 6.0

Udanta had a no-nonsense game, registering 36 touches as well as a 95% passing accuracy. However, Igor Stimac needed more from the Bengaluru FC man in terms of creativity in offence and he was taken off at the turn of the half for the more creative Mohammed Yasir.

Bipin Singh- 6.0

Bipin looked confused with regards to his role at times. Although, he was a dangerous crosser, notching five, he wasn’t able to achieve much success with just one successful cross.

His passiveness hurt the team’s offensive capabilities, as any attack from the left flank started from the base of the defence. He was removed for the more suited Ashique at the turn of the half.

Glan Martins- 7.5

Glan has impressed in India colours and did the same against Bangladesh. Defensively, he kept a tight ship, playing a valuable screening role in front of the triad of defenders. Offensively, he was the safe pressure-relieving outlet for Brandon. He was at the right place throughout the game, providing a perfect link between both ends.

Glan had three clearances and three tackles to go along with one interception. On the other end, he had a whopping 94% accuracy from 79 passes, while also winning 70% of his ground duels.

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Suresh Singh Wangjam- 7.0

For Suresh, it was a game of two halves. He looked solid in midfield in the first half, but his role and confidence took a hit when he was moved to the flank during the second half.  However, he found his groove and provided the all-important assist for India’s second in the dying stages of the game.

Manvir Singh- 5.5

A forgettable game for the ATK Mohun Bagan striker. He looked to lack focus and was sloppy with the ball, losing possession 10 times during his stint. He was unable to connect with fellow striker Sunil Chhetri for majority of the game, which affected India’s offence adversely

Brandon Fernandes- 8.5

Brandon was the creative element India missed in their previous games against Qatar. The FC Goa star looked mature and composed on the field. He also found willing runners with his acute passes, exploiting the holes that opened up in the Bangladeshi defence with ease.

His delivery from set-pieces was a vital weapon for creating chances, his pinpoint crosses finding Indian players with ease. Brandon made seven key passes, which failed to materialize into goals

Sunil Chhetri- 8.5

The captain rose to the occasion, just like the countless times before. After having a mediocre game for the better part of 79 minutes, the Bengaluru FC star made a clever run into space to meet his club-mate Ashique’s cross.

He added a special Chhetri touch to caress the ball into the net to give the Blue Tigers the all-important opener. The India skipper then provided a cool and composed finish to add the second against Bangladesh in added-time.

Substitutes

Ashique Kuruniyan- 7.0

Ashique was at his best in a wing-back role. His pace proved to be a handful for Bangladesh, but it was his brilliant crossing that helped India more. His floated ball was perfectly laid on for Sunil Chhetri to open the scoring.

Mohammed Yasir- 6.5

Yasir gave Stimac another offensive focal point. His presence helped reduce the pressure on Brandon.

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Liston Colaco- 6.5

Played a key role in the second goal of the game. Looked very poor while carrying the ball.

Pronay Halder- N/A

Pronay failed to exert any real influence during his short stint.

Adil Khan- N/A

Did not produce anything of note during his short stay on the pitch.

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