India at AFC Asian Cup: 3 Indian Players That Disappointed Most In 'Pointless' Show In Group Stages

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India had their worst run in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign. With no win, no goals and no points, they ended their campaign at the bottom of their group table. The Blue Tigers didn't impress for the most part as they faced some tough opponents.

Even in the face of such superior opponents, some Indian players gave their all on the field. However, some players failed to impress. A lot more was expected from them but they didn't deliver and it cost India.

Three Indian players that left a lot to be desired at the AFC Asian Cup 2023:

Nikhil Poojary

Nikhil Poojary started for India in their first two games against Australia and Uzbekistan. In both games, he was one of the worst players for the Indian side. With Poojary manning the right side for India, it became vulnerable.

Both Australia and Uzbekistan exploited that. Nikhil Poojary is an attack-minded right-back. However, he was neither effective in building up constructive attacks nor was he able to defend perfectly in the back.

Akash Mishra

Similar to Poojary, Akash Mishra could not provide a lot of firepower to the backline. He also started 2 matches and was ineffective in both. Akash Mishra is another attack-minded fullback who started in the left flank, but couldn't produce many effective attacks.

In their match against Uzbekistan, Akash Mishra and Poojary started together and it was evident how much India's defense suffered in that match. It was less so with Subhasish Bose helping the defense against Syria, but Mishra's absence from the moments was visible.

Manvir Singh

Manvir Singh started in all three matches in the absence of Sahal and then gradually, Chhangte in the final third. The blame for his ineffectiveness should not fall on him. Manvir Singh started in the right-wing against Australia and Uzbekistan.

His performance disappointed more in those 2 matches. Poojary played in both of those matches and when he moved up the field, Manvir Singh had to fall back. Quite naturally, the winger suffered at such deep positions in the field.