Exclusive: Vikram Partap Singh set to lead line for Blue Tigers against Afghanistan

The Indian football team will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign.

The Indian national football team is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Afghanistan in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, with a significant change in their lineup due to Sahal Abdul Samad’s recent hamstring injury. This unforeseen setback has compelled head coach Igor Stimac to revise his strategy, highlighting a persistent question in Indian football: “Who will lead the attack after Sunil Chhetri?”

Over the past decade, few players have stepped up to complement Chhetri’s role in the forward line, with Jeje Lalpekhlua, Manvir Singh and Balwant Singh having varying degrees of success.

However, with Sahal’s injury sidelining him for the upcoming match, Stimac’s search for a potent attacking formula has led him to Vikram Partap Singh, whose outstanding performances in the Indian Super League signal a fresh direction for the team’s offensive efforts.

Vikram, with seven goals and two assists in 13 league appearances this season, is set to spearhead the Indian attack as part of a formidable front four alongside Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte, assuming the crucial number 9 role.

The Indian coaching staff has spent the last six months moulding Vikram into the focal point of the team’s attack, a testament not only to his exceptional form but also to Stimac’s confidence in his potential as the future cornerstone of the Indian team.

Throughout the 2023-24 ISL season, Chandigarh-born Vikram Partap Singh has proven to be an indispensable asset for his club, showcasing a blend of agility, speed and technical finesse that has consistently troubled opposing defenses. His knack for creating and converting scoring opportunities has been pivotal, reflecting a versatility and game intelligence that aligns perfectly with Stimac’s tactical vision.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Vikram’s commitment to defensive duties, including pressing and tracking back, underscores his all-around contribution to the team’s efforts.

As the Indian team prepares to face Afghanistan on the night of March 22, 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating Vikram Partap Singh’s impact, hopeful that his leading role in the attack will herald a new era for the Blue Tigers.

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