AFC Asian Cup 2019: Ashique's grit, Thapa's aggressiveness and Chhetri's masterclass crucial for India

The Blue Tigers delivered a near-perfect display in their AFC Asian Cup opener against Thailand.

India drubbed Thailand 4-1 on what was a day of many firsts. It was the first time India had registered a victory in the continent's biggest football competition since 1965. It was the first time the Blue Tigers had amassed four goals in the AFC Asian Cup. To sum it all up, the second most populous country made their return to the showpiece event a remarkable one.  

It didn't look as if they would. Cynicism had crept in. Questions were raised over the elisions and inclusions of some players. Come the final whistle everything such was rinsed away on the crest of a wave. It wasn't an all-perfect display but had all the ingredients to keep the eyes glued to the screen.

Watch: Thailand 1-4 India highlights

The game also painted another picture. In the first half, it seemed the players had wilted under the mounting pressure; the pressure of living up to the expectations of more than 1.3 billion dreams. Players looked nervous, or at least it seemed they had stumbled under pressure. Then suddenly India scored a goal against everything that had been going on the pitch; possession and dominance. Half-time and the scorecard read 1-1.

In the second half, India delivered a fearless, flowing, high-pressing brand of football that left the War Elephants frazzled and war-stricken. India's approach spooked the Thailands and the result, a convincing 4-1 victory.

Kuruniyan was pivotal in his role behind Chhetri

The Blue Tigers should stick with the enrapturing style of football they delivered in the second-half against Bahrain and UAE. Retrospectively, India's qualification into the AFC Asian Cup was largely down to their ever-reliable defence and Sunil Chhetri. Their defenders did a fantastic job again but for the first time in many years, India won a big tie largely due to the ferocity of their attackers.

Ashique Kuruniyan, who took Jeje Lalpekhlua's spot in the starting XI, displayed grit on the pitch and deserves some praise. The ever-hardworking 21-year-old was played as a second striker and boy, how brilliantly did he do his job? The tireless runner pressed the opponents, looked determined to deliver the result for Constantine. The inexorable youngster exhibited control and maturity beyond his years and demonstrated altruism, willing to sacrifice his numbers for the team.

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It perhaps is poetic justice that it was Ashique who earned India the breakthrough, albeit in the form of penalty. The youngster also had his presence felt in the second goal which truly turned the game in India's favour. Chhetri may have hogged the limelight for that ruthless, finespun finish but Ashique had a role. His touch on the ball left Chalermpong flatfooted and Chhetri unleased a meticulous shot before the defender could do anything.

Anirudh Thapa was India's midfield lynchpin, meanwhile Chhetri was the talisman

Then there was a young midfield enforcer; Anirudh Thapa, whose aggressiveness helped the Blue Tigers boss the Thailand midfielders in the second half. His unflinching, dauntless moves helped India largely. He dropped deep at times, recovered the ball and sent India attacking. The boy has become India's undisputable midfield lynchpin. The determination to win back what is lost, the will to attack when one expects you to defend, Thapa has it all.

Ah! Then there is Chhetri's masterclass. A calmly slotted kick from the spot to earn the first and a punctilious shot to score the second. He isn't just a goalscorer. The way he split the defence in the build-up to their third-goal, lucubrated everything you needed to know. Chhetri has more international goals than Lionel Messi explains the sheer intensity of the achievement.

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Constantine's theory of rotating captains may have seen Chhetri lose his captain's armband. Nonetheless, Chhetri was a leader on the pitch. He rallied his troops and his boys obliged. This man has done much for the nation and he knows this could be his final AFC Asian Cup. Captain. Leader. Legend. He's here to make a difference, for the one last time. 

Tougher tasks are lined up. UAE and Bahrain are not Thailand, and India expect more fierce battles in the coming days. The journey so far has been massive and if India can qualify into the knock-out rounds, it will be an achievement achieved never before. With Ashique's grit, Thapa's aggressiveness and Chhetri's masterclass coming to the fore, India are daring to dream what once seemed impossible. Bring it on, boys!