Kalinga Super Cup: Clifford Miranda surprised with Mohun Bagan pair's India omission

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Mohun Bagan SG coach and former India player Clifford Miranda is surprised to not see two Mohun Bagan players in the India team for the AFC Asian Cup 2024.

The Kalinga Super Cup 2024 started from Tuesday and Mohun Bagan made a positive start with a win over Sreenidi Deccan. Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku scored as the Mariners won 2-1 against the I-league outfit.

Mohun Bagan right-back Asish Rai was adjudged player of the match for his performance. The defender was lively on the right-hand side, and provided the crucial assist for Armando Sadiuku's goal.

And after the match, Mohun Bagan coach Clifford Miranda was quick to acknowledge Asish's performance and says the MBSG right-back is one of the best two at his position in India and it was a surprise he was not picked for the Asian Cup.

"He had a very good game. For me, Asish is one of the top two right-backs in the country. It is a surprise he is staying here," Miranda said in the post-match press conference.

"Sometimes we want certain players in the National team. I feel both of them deserve to be in the national team. But it is up to the head coach. Every coach has his own way of playing and we got to respect it," Miranda concluded.

Miranda was also surprised to see Kiyan Nassiri not getting the call-up for the national team. Asish Rai has played a solitary match for India in his career. The 24-year-old will be hoping for a call-up soon if he keeps up his merry run with the Kolkata club. Nassiri, on the other hand, is yet to play for the Blue Tigers.