Five stars of the Indian football team
What's the story
With India showing great promise at the AFC Asian Cup in UAE, fans have started cheering the team. Qualification to the knockout stage will only increase their fan base in the country. Some of the players come from modest backgrounds, but nothing has deterred them from delivering intense performances against some of Asia's finest. Here's a glance at the Indian team's most accomplished footballers.
Sunil Chhetri
One of the GOATs of Indian football
Sunil Chhetri has had a stunning career, being the most capped footballer in India's history. With 67 goals, Chhetri is only after Cristiano Ronaldo among active players with the highest international goals under the belt. He is also the highest scorer among all footballers to ever play for India. Chhetri has won four I-Leagues, two with Bengaluru, and one each with Churchill and Dempo.
Gurpreet Singh
India's custodian is an accomplished individual
India's goal-keeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is the first Indian to play in the Europa League. Notably, he is only the fifth Indian to play professionally in Europe. Sandhu started his youth career at St. Stephen's FA, but moved on to East Bengal, and this is where he started his senior career and stayed for five years. He currently plays for Bengaluru FC in ISL.
Jeje Lalpekhlua
The lethal striker has won numerous trophies
India's striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is another accomplished footballer in India's ranks. He is among the very few players who have managed to win both the I-League and ISL, doing so with Mohun Bagan in 2014-15 and Chennaiyin FC in 2015 and 2017-18 respectively. Jeje was adjudged the best player of 2016 by AIFF. Jeje has played for Mohun Bagan, Chennaiyin, Pune, and Dempo.
Sandesh Jhingan
Sandesh Jhingan can become a legendary defender
Post his heroics in AFC Asian Cup, Sandesh Jhingan has become the talk of the town. Undoubtedly, he has the potential to become one of the best defenders India have ever produced. Jhingan was a part of the Bengaluru team, which defeated Mohun Bagan to win the 2016-17 Federation Cup. Though still a part of Kerala Blasters, he has been loaned out numerous times.
Udanta Singh
Udanta Singh is a valuable asset for India
One of the most talented wingers of the country, Udanta has won the I-League in both U-19 category and the senior level. He achieved the same in 2014 and 2015-16 respectively. He was also a part of the Bengaluru FC, which were the runners-up of 2016 AFC Cup. He won the first-ever Super Cup of India after defeating East Bengal 4-1 in the final.