Which Indian football team players can make impact off the bench against Afghanistan?

India boast several young and ambitious players who can create an impact as a substitute.

Igor Stimac has picked an adventurous squad ahead of the Indian men’s football team’s back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (second round) fixtures against Afghanistan. The first of the two matches is set to take place on 21 March 2024 in Saudi Arabia and the second will be played on 26 March 2024 in India.

The 25-member squad includes several players who have been impressive for their respective clubs in the Indian Super League. There are a lot of expectations from the likes of Vikram Partap Singh, Jay Gupta, Lalengmawia Ralte, Imran Khan and more. Igor Stimac expects his men to score many goals considering the 12 goals conceded by Afghanistan in their opening two Group A fixtures. He has picked plenty of attacking options to keep the pressure on the Lions of Khorasan. 

Some of the fresh faces may not get a starting nod ahead of more experienced players but they are likely to play a role from the bench. On that note, here is a look at the Indian players who can make an impact off the bench against Afghanistan during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers fixture:

Jay Gupta

Jay Gupta is inching closer to making his senior debut for the Indian national team. The full-back has been a consistent performer for FC Goa in the ongoing 2023-24 Indian Super League. His breakthrough performances rightly earned him a national team call-up. Igor Stimac will be looking to use Gupta’s pace and physicality to keep the intensity high in the latter stages of the game.

Jay Gupta may not start but his inclusion from the bench could be a smart move. His energy coupled with the tiring legs of the opposition can produce decent attacking opportunities for the Blue Tigers. 

Liston Colaco

Liston Colaco enjoys Igor Stimac’s praise and favour as the head coach likes to utilise him across the attacking positions. The Mohun Bagan winger faces stiff competition for a starting place with the likes of Naorem Mahesh Singh, Manvir Singh and more. In a scenario where Colaco fails to start, then he is most likely to feature from the bench.

Despite blowing hot and cold at the club level, Liston Colaco has produced 10 goal contributions (six goals, four assists) for the Mariners across all competitions. The Indian team will be looking to attack with high intensity for the maximum duration of the match and figures like Colaco can be impactful from the bench.

Vikram Partap Singh

Vikram Partap Singh’s name is on every Indian football fan’s lips ahead of the crucial fixtures against Afghanistan. The young attacker from Mumbai City FC is the leading Indian goal-scorer in the 2023-24 Indian Super League with seven goals. He scored a sensational hat-trick against NorthEast United heading into the international break, becoming only the seventh Indian player to net three goals in a single ISL game.

Giving Vikram Partap Singh a first-ever starting place in the Indian national team line-up could mount unnecessary pressure on the 22-year-old, therefore, Igor Stimac may ease him into the games and include him from the bench. Being in a fine goal-scoring touch, Singh is very likely to make a lasting impact off the bench against Afghanistan.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.