Igor Stimac told RevSportz, “I am trying not to think about it, as the more I think, the more painful it becomes… It’s easy to replace any player on this team until it’s Sandesh Jhingan.” That’s the importance of Sandesh Jhingan in the Indian team’s backline.
Unfortunately, the Indian defence stalwart is going to miss out on the do-or-die clash due to an injury sustained during the AFC Asian Cup in January in Doha. Even Sunil Chhetri echoed Stimac’s comments, saying, “If I had to go to war, Sandesh would be the first name I would take along with me.”
Over the years, Sandesh has been the most reliable presence in the backline for the Blue Tigers. His leadership qualities, mastery of the defensive troops, astute man-marking abilities, and formidability in aerial duels make him one of the most sought-after defenders.
In Sandesh’s absence, whoever shoulders the responsibility will have big shoes to fill. Since Sandesh has been out of action since January, India has played two games against Afghanistan, home and away, in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. In both games, Sandesh was sorely missed. Rahul Bheke and Anwar Ali took on the defensive duties in both matches.
In the away leg, India’s defence looked disciplined in the first half, but in the second half, there were multiple inroads in India’s defence. Fortunately, the Blue Tigers didn’t concede any goals. In the return leg, which was Chhetri’s 150th game, Chhetri gave India a 1-0 advantage with a strike from the spotkick before heading into the tunnel at halftime. However, the Blue Tigers succumbed to a 1-2 defeat, as India’s backline failed to deal with Afghanistan’s rejuvenated attacks in the second half.
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Against Kuwait on June 6th, the potential centerback duo will be Rahul Bheke and Anwar Ali, with Nikhil Poojary and Subhasish Bose in the side-back positions. Anwar Ali, who will be playing on familiar territory, will have to bring his A-game. The defender’s form has dipped a bit after the long injury layoff he endured midway through last season.
Additionally, Rahul Bheke has been a key member for Stimac in many games. Even in India’s last victory against Kuwait in November last year, Rahul Bheke managed a clean sheet playing alongside Sandesh Jhingan. However, Bheke hasn’t added the same solidity to the defence that Sandesh brings.
In the last fixture against Afghanistan, Bheke was accountable for the first goal, which handed Afghanistan a valiant 2-1 win. Though Rahul Bheke, who has recently guided Mumbai City FC to the ISL Championship, would like to bring his best to make it a memorable farewell for Chhetri, as the Indian legend has decided to hang up his jersey after the Kuwait game.
Both Rahul Bheke and Anwar will face the stern challenge of Kuwait’s attack, which comprises Mohammed Daham, Shabib Al Khaldi, and Youssef Nasser, the fourth highest goalscorer for Kuwait’s National Team. Daham is the top goal scorer in the Kuwaiti Premier League this season.
With an unprecedented 3rd round qualification in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at stake, the performances of Anwar and Bheke in the absence of Sandesh Jhingan will be critical in deciding the fate of the game.
Also Read: Who next after Sunil Chhetri is the dilemma for Indian football