A little over 16 months after their last international outing, the Indian national team will return to action with a friendly clash against Oman at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium, in Dubai on Thursday.
That it is Oman, the last team India faced before the ‘normal’ world went out of fashion, is perhaps, poetic.
It was against Oman that India started their World Cup qualification campaign and while the team showed steel, they fell 2-1 after conceding two late goals. In the last clash away from home, it was a 1-0 loss.
“We were not ready for 90 minutes against Oman, whether it’s luck or inexperience,” admitted national coach Igor Stimac of the first match.
This time, the season has just ended and there is excitement over the crop of youngsters who have earned a call-up to the national team. As many as nine players will be looking to make their international bow in the two friendlies over this week, second against UAE on Saturday. “It will be interesting game. Oman is physical, organised and patient so we need to find a way to match that style of play,” said the coach. “I’m excited seeing so many youngsters. Next two games is about experience, having freedom to express themselves and not being worried about the result. We are working long term and that’s what it takes.”
It’s the addition to the midfield and fullback positions that are exciting. Suresh Wangjam and Apuia have shown maturity beyond their years in the middle during the ISL season while Akash Mishra and Ashish Rai have caught the eye as fullbacks. With Stimac moving away from the push-and-run style to a more possession-based football, he is happy with the options on hand.
“We looked for aspects - technical, decision making, vision, speed of thinking etc. I hope most of them will use the chances,” said the coach. “Most players we chose play for clubs which play creative football. Passing well and were not afraid to play football. That’s why they are here and the kind of football we have wanted to play since the beginning with the national team. Now they have to adapt to what we want.”
Sandesh Jhingan, one of the experienced heads, is keen to help.
“It’s good to see all the new boys who have come in. Apuia, Suresh and Sana (Chinglensana Singh) have shown that they have what it takes to be here,” said Jhingan.
“When I was new to the team I was guided by the senior players, but these guys are already so strong mentally. I’m sure they will do well once they get a chance. These guys are all talented, level-headed and the future really looks bright,” he continued.
India will miss their talisman Sunil Chhetri, who is out after testing positive for Covid-19. His goalscoring might prove irreplaceable. After the two friendlies, India’s focus will shift back to qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup with the games coming in June.