In a tactical decision that underscores a blend of sportsmanship and personal commitment, India's national football team is gearing up for the forthcoming King's Cup tournament without their esteemed skipper, Sunil Chhetri. The team's leading goal scorer will be absent from the squad, as he opts to prioritize being present for the imminent arrival of his first child. The prestigious King's Cup, a four-nation football extravaganza, is slated to unfold in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from September 7 to 10.
Filling the captain's shoes and heading the forward line in Chhetri's stead is the dynamic Manvir Singh. Alongside Singh, Rahim Ali and Rahul KP will compose an attacking trio, poised to test their mettle against top-notch international opponents in the tournament.
While the absence of Chhetri might raise questions, India's head coach Igor Stimac has meticulously curated a roster that exudes equilibrium and potency. Anchoring the defense are seasoned campaigners Sandesh Jhingan and Subhasish Bose, bolstering the team's resilience. The midfield is adorned with talents like Brandon Fernandes, Suresh Wangjam, Anirudh Thapa, and Sahal Abdul Samad, forming a robust core that can orchestrate play and thwart adversaries.
The responsibility of guarding the goalposts will fall to either Gurpreet Singh Sandhu or Amrinder Singh, reflecting the team's depth and flexibility in key positions.
Ranked 99th globally, India is slated to face Iraq, positioned 70th, in a gripping semi-final encounter on September 7. Concurrently, hosts Thailand (ranked 113th) will clash with Lebanon (ranked 100th) in the other semi-final showdown of the day.
As the semi-final victors vie for the championship trophy on September 10, the semi-final runners-up will lock horns in a spirited third-place match. In the previous edition of the King's Cup in 2019, India secured a commendable bronze medal finish, attesting to their tenacity and growth as a footballing force.
The chosen 23-member squad strikes a harmonious balance between seasoned campaigners and emerging talents across the pitch. Under the guidance of head coach Igor Stimac, the team aspires to showcase their prowess on the international stage and etch their mark in the tournament.
The King's Cup beckons, and as India readies itself to compete without its captain stalwart, the stage is set for an exhilarating football spectacle in the heart of Thailand.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Lalchungnunga, Akash Mishra, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Rohit Kumar, Ashique Kuruniyan, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Forwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Rahul KP.
Head coach: Igor Stimac.
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(With PTI inputs, powered by AI)
