Who is Veer Joshi? Samaleswari Sporting's latest OCI sensation
Veer Joshi scored the winner for Samaleswari in their recent Durand Cup outing
The conversation around Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) players in Indian football has been in significant focus from the last couple of months following the report of Khel Now on a proposed Sports Passport. The OCI players have been an important missing part of Indian football perhaps and among the latest names that has risen up is Veer Joshi.
An attacking forward who recently joined Samaleswari Sporting Odisha has impressed everyone in the Indian football circuit. Veer scored a brilliant freekick against Mohammedan SC and gave his side Samaleswari Sporting a 3-2 win over the Black Panthers.
While he may still be an unfamiliar face to Indian football fans, the youngster is generating immense hype in Indian football.
In this article we take a look at Samaleswari Sporting’s latest OCI sensation Veer Joshi’s profile and career so far.
An up-and-coming young OCI sensation
Veer Joshi is an 18-year-old young USA-born OCI sensation who currently plays for Samaleswari Sporting Odisha in the Durand Cup 2026. Comfortable playing as an attacker, he can also operate in the attacking midfield area where his ability on the ball and his vision for goal makes him an exciting prospect.
Veer scored a sensational free kick at the 81st minute to give Samaleswari a 3-2 win over Mohammedan SC in the Durand Cup 2026 and has made the headline since.
Having developed his game outside of India, Veer brings a different energy to Indian football. He recently moved to India after having played for Sacramento Republic Academy.
For Sacramento, Veer delivered a remarkable performance, scoring four goals and providing three assists in an 8-3 victory over Cedar Stars Monmouth at MLS NEXT Flex registering 7 GA in a single game.
His arrival to India isn’t just helpful for Samaleswari Sporting, it can also help Indian football overall. Although he is yet to establish himself in Indian football, expectations are already high from what the fans have seen so far from him.
With the Durand Cup going on, this is an important opportunity for him as Veer Joshi can show his talent and prove that OCI players can make significant difference in Indian football and help it grow.
How is this move helpful for Indian football?
Veer Joshi’s introduction to Indian football is more than just a signing, rather it reflects the changing landscape of domestic football in India. With the All India Football Federation (AIFF) slowly trying to open doors for the OCI players, this is a golden opportunity for many younger OCI players to make a name here.
Veer Joshi a USA-born OCI player has already introduced himself to Indian football after scoring a sensational freekick in the Durand Cup 2026, highlighting the quality OCI players bring along with them.
Recently youngsters like Hateem Ali (UAE based), Yohaan Benjamin (Slovenia based) and Agastya Bhat (Spain based) who are playing abroad at the moment have earned an India U-20 callup for the friendlies against Singapore ahead of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Aashir Salim is another example who has made a surprising move from Qatar top tier to Odisha FC, underlining a recently growing trend of overseas Indian talents returning to contribute to the country’s footballing future. If these players are nurtured well and introduced slowly and steadily to the national team, Indian football can benefit significantly and improve the overall quality of the squad with increased competitiveness.
Veer Joshi: Player profile
Name: Veer Joshi
Age: 18
Country of Birth: United States of America
Position: Forward
Preferred Foot: Right foot
Current Club: Samaleswari Sporting Odisha
Played For: Sacramento Republic Academy
Who is Veer Joshi?
Veer Joshi is an 18-year-old USA-born OCI player currently playing for Samaleswari Sporting Odisha.
What is the position of Veer Joshi?
Veer Joshi is an attacking forward.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.