Three players lucky to get another call-up to Indian football team after poor performances

The Indian football team will face Bangladesh on November 18.

As the new era of resurrection starts for India, new faces have found their place in the squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Bangladesh on November 18.

Khalid Jamil announced his 23-member probable squad earlier this month. This announcement reflected a willingness to look for new faces to revamp this Indian team, which crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers last month.

However, a few names have retained their places in the team after a series of poor performances in the national colours. Time might be running out for these players, as calls for large-scale changes in the team sharpen.

In this article, we will take a look at the three players who are fortunate enough to receive an Indian football team call-up for the next AFC Asian Cup Qualifier.

Rahul Bheke

The experienced Indian defender has failed to grab fans’ attention. The 34-year-old struggled to find his mojo in the CAFA Nations Cup, the first assignment for Khalid Jamil at the helm of the Indian team. Rahul Bheke continued his poor run in Indian colours.

There was no improvement in his performance when India played against Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in October. One of the reasons for his torrid time in the national team is Khalid Jamil’s decision to play him in the central defense, where he has struggled to find his feet.

In the right back position, Bheke looked more solid, but other options in the team can edge him in that role. The next few opportunities might turn out to be his last if there is no substantial improvement in his performance. With Jamil looking to replenish the team with young faces, Bheke might be on his way out.

Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad is arguably the least influential player on the team in the last few fixtures. Jamil brought him into the team, hoping Yadwad would solve the woes in the striker’s position. However, his plans could not come to fruition as Irfan proved too raw for the stage.

There are several aspects of the game where the 24-year-old will need to improve to cement his place in the team. The most strikingly vulnerable facet of his game was the lack of intensity. As a striker, he was not on his toes, providing time for the opposition defence to move the ball with ease.

His physicality also proved too feeble to compensate for the lack of pressing. Shot-making is another aspect where the striker has consistently struggled.

Also Read: Three ways Ryan Williams’ addition could benefit Indian football team

Ashique Kuruniyan

The winger was once touted as the next big thing in Indian football, but is now struggling to hold on to his place in the team. Consistent poor performances have pushed Ashique Kuruniyan to the sidelines.

The influx of young, wide creative players into the Indian team has forced the fans to question the role of players like Ashique.

Kuruniyan could not produce much in the CAFA Nations Cup, paralysing India’s capacity on the wings. In the upcoming fixtures, Khalid Jamil and fans would demand performance par excellence from Ashique as the youngsters close the gap.

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