India

India return to the continent’s flagship tournament for the fifth time. They were runners-up behind hosts Israel in the 1964 Asian Cup, but in recent times they have never progressed from the group stages.

What to expect

It’s that old record that the Indians are seeking to banish in Qatar – on the back of a good qualifying campaign.

They topped Group D in unbeaten fashion in the third round ahead of Hong Kong, Afghanistan and Cambodia. The talismanic Sunil Chhetri, 39, scored seven times in qualifying and that’s in a way telling – after all these years, he remains the focal point of the team.

Four years ago, Chettri was instrumental in an Asian Cup opening 4-1 win against Thailand, but India’s campaign then unravelled with consecutive defeats against the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. This time they play the Socceroos of Australia in their campaign curtain raiser, but matches against Uzbekistan and Syria look more likely to provide better windows of opportunities. Even so, it will be a small miracle if the lowest-ranked team in the group progresses, for the first time, to the last 16.

Star players

India has one undisputed star, who has been the long-time talisman of the team: Sunil Chhetri (pictured). His outstanding work ethic and commitment have prolonged his time in the game to lead India again for a third time at a continental finals.

He first scored at the 2011 Asian Cup against South Korea and Bahrain and helped India to a historic 4-1 win against Thailand with a brace at the 2019 Asian Cup.

A prolific striker, he is just a few goals short of a century. Veterans Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as well as midfielder Anirudh Thapa are other players to watch.

Manager 

In 2019, the Croatian Igor Stimac (pictured) succeeded the English nomad Stephen Constantine to manage India, a country obsessed with one day making the World Cup. In reality, doing well at the Asian Cup should be the top priority. Stimac has built a team that should be competitive at least, mixing experience with younger talents and putting his faith in organisation. They enjoyed a good run in 2023 and held Iraq. India can excel on their day and Stimac has always backed his charges to achieve anything.

Schedule 

Saturday, January 13, 2024, 2:30 pm:  Australia – India – Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Doha

Thursday, January 18, 2024, 5:30 pm: India – Uzbekistan – Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Doha

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, 2:30 pm: Syria – India – Al Bayt Stadium, Al Bayt