Gurpreet Singh Sandhu identifies three key players for success against Malaysia

The goalkeeper also heaped praise on defender Sandesh Jhingan.

Manolo Marquez chose a slightly different squad for the Indian national football team than that of the Intercontinental Cup. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu spoke to the media about several key facts ahead of the Malaysia clash. The Spaniard has included a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters, signaling a shift in the team’s approach.

A notable inclusion is the return of seasoned defender Sandesh Jhingan, who has recovered from injury. In addition to Jhingan, several young and talented players have earned their call-ups.

Experienced defender Sandesh Jhingan is set to make his return to the Indian national team after a long injury layoff after suffering a knee injury during India’s AFC Asian Cup. The towering center-back, who has been a cornerstone of the Indian defense for years, will add much-needed experience and leadership to the squad.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had spoken to the media earlier today. Here are a few excerpts from the conversation.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s thoughts on Sandesh Jhingan

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan have shared the dressing room for a long time. Talking about how Jhingan’s comeback could be vital for the team’s defense, here’s what Sandhu said.

“I think for me, I’m very happy because I have someone. For example, all that to have conversations with, because as you know, the squad is pretty young and on the other side of the perimeter, I’m getting into the old boy’s side.

“So it’s very hard sometimes to have conversations with the young players. So yeah, in terms of having someone to talk to in the dressing room and the meal room and everything, it’s very good,” Gurpreet Singh Sandhu exclaimed.

“I’m also just very, happy and very grateful for the return of Sandesh because obviously, he’s an important pillar for his club and us as a national team as well. And I just hope that he keeps himself healthy and keeps on helping Indian football like he has in the past year because he’s a very good player. Like Sunil Bhai, he’s a once-in-a-generation defender for us,” Gurpreet sighed.

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Gurpreet on new additions to the squad

The Indian Super League (ISL) has proven to be a breeding ground for young talent, and this season has been exactly one of those seasons. Several promising players like Farukh Chaudhary, Vibin Mohanan, Jithin MS and Irfan Yadwad are a few of them who have made it to the national team with their impressive performances.

Talking about the importance of these new players Gurpreet Singh Sandhu explained the importance of new people constantly making it to the national team.

“I mean, the call-ups have been good so far because these boys have been doing well in the ISL. So, it’s important to have these faces come in as well. Get a taste of what the national team is all about. 

“Because from the experience that I have, what might look very nice and green on the other side, like sometimes players who are doing well in the league, they come to the national team and it’s a whole different scenario. So, it’s good that we are having all these players who do well in the league to come here and get a taste of it.”

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also notified the key aspect of contribution from the youngsters. “See what is needed from them is their contribution whenever they come to the national team. And help us in a way that can take us forward.

“We can’t be rigid like having a certain set of players who may be not doing the job for us to be coming here again and again. Hence, it’s very good that players like Jithin MS, Vibin Mohanan and Irfan Yadwad are coming in.

“Farukh Choudhary who was with us but was out with injury, came back again. And because he knows what is required in the national team, he’s doing well now. Thus, it’s good that we have these players who are hungry to be in the national team coming in and helping us.

“Henceforth, I think it’s always good to have such faces. And I’m just going to wish them well and all the very best whenever they play for us,” Gurpreet concluded.

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