Tekcham Abhishek Singh replaces Asish Rai in Indian Football Team for March international window 2025

Tekcham Abhishek Singh has been in sublime form for the Shers.

Punjab FC youngster Tekcham Abhishek Singh has been called up for the Indian Football Team 26-man squad for the March international window 2025 as Manolo Marquez’s men prepare to face Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier final round on March 25th. Abhishek will be replacing Asish Rai, who has been ruled out of the squad due to injury. The Mohun Bagan Super Giant full-back, who has been in scintillating form this season, will miss the crucial fixture, leaving a void in India’s defensive setup.

Asish’s absence comes at a critical time, especially with Bangladesh reinforcing their attack with some of their most dynamic players. His defensive resilience and overlapping runs would have provided both stability at the back and an extra dimension going forward, a blow India must now overcome as they chase a spot in the Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia.

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Tekcham Abhishek replaces injured Rai

Stepping in for the injured Asish Rai is Tekcham Abhishek Singh, one of the brightest revelations of the Indian Super League season, thanks to his stellar performances for Punjab FC. His call-up to the national team is a testament to his rising stature, and this opportunity could mark a turning point in his budding career.

What makes Tekcham Abhishek Singh a valuable asset is his versatility, equally adept at playing as a centre-back or slotting into the full-back roles. His ability to seamlessly transition between defensive positions has earned him widespread praise, offering Manolo Marquez tactical flexibility and a reliable option in India’s backline ahead of the crucial clash against Bangladesh.

Tekcham’s versatility could be key for Manolo

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now recently, Tekcham Abhishek Singh shed light on his remarkable versatility, emphasizing how effortlessly he adapts to different defensive roles, a quality that has made him an invaluable asset for both Punjab FC and now the Indian national team. Reflecting on his growth, he acknowledged that his performance has significantly improved with Punjab FC, crediting regular game time and rigorous training for sharpening his skills.

Speaking about his ability to switch flanks, Tekcham confidently remarked, “It’s not really hard for me, as I used to play on both sides during practice.” His calm composure and adaptability add a crucial layer of flexibility to Manolo Marquez’s plans, especially with a crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on the horizon.

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What does his statistics say

Tekcham Abhishek Singh has enjoyed a breakthrough Indian Super League season with Punjab FC, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Indian football. The 20-year-old defender has made 22 appearances out of a possible 24 matches, clocking an impressive 1,957 minutes on the pitch. His presence at the back has contributed to two clean sheets for his side, showcasing his growing influence in the defensive line.

Statistically, Tekcham has maintained a passing accuracy of 77%, averaging 30 passes per game, a reflection of his composure under pressure. He has also won 86 duels, including 8 aerial battles, further underlining his physicality and defensive awareness. Despite his aggressive playing style, his discipline has been commendable, picking up just 3 yellow cards throughout the season. As he steps up to fill the void left by Asish Rai in the national team, his all-rounded game will be a major boost for India ahead of their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh.

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