'Happy to see I-League players' - Indian football team faithfuls react to Igor Stimac's first probables list

Preethi has been a Khel Now correspondent for Hyderabad FC since 2024.

Published at :May 4, 2024 at 3:47 PM

Modified at :May 4, 2024 at 3:47 PM

'Happy to see I-League players' - Indian football team faithfuls react to Igor Stimac's first probables list

(Courtesy : AIFF)

The Indian football team will start their preparations for the World Cup Qualifiers on May 10.

Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac unveiled the initial roster of 26 potential players for the Bhubaneswar training camp, marking the commencement of preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 clashes against Kuwait and Qatar. A subsequent list of probables is expected to be revealed in the imminent days, thereby magnifying the squad’s configuration in readiness for the forthcoming challenges ahead.

The Blue Tigers are set to commence their training camp in the Odisha capital on May 10. Following this, they will engage in a pivotal clash against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6, followed by a challenging fixture against Qatar in Doha on June 11, marking the culmination of their Group A campaign. Currently occupying the second spot in the group standings, Igor Stimac’s side have accumulated four points from four matches. The top two teams from the group will secure passage to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, simultaneously securing their qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

After head coach Igor Stimac unveiled the list of probables, the Indian football community was buzzing with diverse responses. Let’s delve into the varied reactions that echoed across the nation’s football landscape.

Good move from Stimac to look upon I League players as well . At this point of time I expect more intensity and spirit from them than ISL players 💀 https://t.co/2CnlGu47ff
— Cursed Football Fan #ThankYouDimi (@futbolinmyviens) May 4, 2024

So pleased to see Jithin MS feature in the #IndianFootball probable list. He had a standout season with NEUFC and good to see this recognised in some manner. 🤞🏼⚽️🇮🇳 #JithinMS https://t.co/QuHXXNoun2
— Baljit Singh Rihal (@BaljitRihal) May 4, 2024

Can't wait to see all the young guns on the pitch 😍
— Superpower Football (@SuperpowerFb) May 4, 2024

Finally nice to see @ILeague_aiff players in the list of probables for the FIFA WCQ
— Jonathan Fernandes (@JontyFerns) May 4, 2024

Why Amrinder Singh all the time ? Why not Phurba ,why not Prabhsukhan ,why not Vishal Kaith ,why Rehneesh was never considered? .@stimac_igor Moye Braat,are you listening? Kindly take your decision,don't let some 'senior player' have his say and way .
— Vinod S Nair (Modi Ka Parivar) 🇮🇳 (@nairnrc) May 4, 2024

Happy to see some iLeague players name in the list.. hope stimac realised potential of the players and believes them to be in the NT Squad…
— ಶಿರಸಿ ಹುಡುಗ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಲ್ಲಿ 💙 (@Me_Mohit11_) May 4, 2024

Defence seems a little shaky given that Akash Mishra may be unavailable due to his injury, the lack of CBs in the list is also a concern. I league players being considered is a good sign but will they be given game time remains a major question. https://t.co/A1snUPN0LP
— Kashti🐥❤️ (@KP_2203) May 4, 2024

Why no call-ups for the India u23 squad players which played two friendlies against Malaysia this March? https://t.co/cOSpv30npk
— Indian Football Fan (@FootbalIndiaFan) May 4, 2024

Štimac has really called up I-League players, even if for a camp for now. 🙏🥺Good to see my beloved JITHINHO 🥺#IndianFootball https://t.co/YexovVwIUj
— B. K. S. 🇮🇳 (@SportzTalk_BKS) May 4, 2024

We really need to move on from Gurpreet and Amrinder in GK position. They are good, but time to move on. Same for Sunil, have huge respect for him but time for next gen to get their deserving chance to prove.
— Rohan Dutta (@rohandutta09) May 4, 2024

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Preethi Raj Kanuganti

Balancing her medical studies with a strong passion for Indian football, Preethi has been a dedicated follower of the sport. Her speciality is covering and discovering stories, talking to players, conducting their interviews, and drafting articles. She particularly covers Hyderabad FC and other stories from the ISL and I-League.