Last week India suffered an embarrassing defeat to Afghanistan in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. The defeat was humiliating and jeopardised India’s chances of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But perhaps what hurt the most was how India slipped to defeat.
India entered the encounter as the favourites since Afghanistan is ranked lower than them. However, India struggled to break down the Afghan defence on multiple occasions. The result has also raised questions about Indian coach Igor Stimac and his methods. The Croatian international has been accused of utilising outdated tactics.
Additionally, there has been an over-reliance on Sunil Chettri to come up with the goals every time. And though the Indian skipper managed to deliver the goods for the umpteenth time against Afghanistan, the Blue Tigers could not hold on to the lead and that eventually cost them the game.
Heading into the game against Afghanistan, Stimac had assured the fans that he would take India to the next round of the qualifiers and added that he would quit if he failed to do so. Well, by the looks of it, Stimac’s words have come back to haunt him.
More worryingly, the Indian football team has experienced something of a free-fall in the past few months in terms of their ranking. In this scenario, the following question begs to be asked- Is Igor Stimac the right man to manage the Indian football team? Based on recent performances and ranking, the emphatic answer is no.
India also needs to start looking beyond Sunil Chettri and find a possible long-term replacement for the Indian skipper. Currently, the Indian team boasts of two prodigious talents, Ishan Pandita and Sahal Abdul Samad. One if not both of these players need to start being groomed for a leadership role in the future.
Stimac’s bold declaration before the match, promising advancement in the qualifiers or resignation, now hangs ominously over his tenure. With India’s recent slide in FIFA rankings adding to the pressure, questions regarding Stimac’s leadership have become more pressing.
Moreover, the need for succession planning beyond Chettri is glaringly evident. Emerging talents such as Ishan Pandita and Sahal Abdul Samad offer promise for the future, but their integration into the team requires careful management and planning.
In light of these developments, a reevaluation of India’s footballing strategies and leadership is imperative. Whether it involves tactical adjustments, coaching changes, or nurturing young talent, decisive action is needed to salvage India’s World Cup aspirations and restore confidence in the team’s capabilities.
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