Durand Cup 2023: Nandhakumar Sekar a sweet headache for Igor Stimac, says Robin Singh

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Nandhakumar Sekar knack of scoring big goals makes it a sweet headache for Indian football head coach Igor Stimac on team selection, feels Robin Singh.

Nandhakumar Sekar has announced his arrival among the big names of Indian football as the winger scored two crucial goals for his new club East Bengal at the ongoing Durand Cup 2023, essentially taking them to final of the tournament, where they face their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan on September 3.

His recent heroics, however, failed to convince Indian football head coach Igor Stimac, who has sidelined the 27-year-old winger from the national team for the likes of Manvir Singh and Brandon Fernandes returning for King's Cup in Thailand. Prior to his exclusion, Nandhakumar played just two games, one start, in Intercontinental Cup back in June.

The decision was beyond many fans, especially those in Kolkata, who saw the new East Bengal wide forward score the all-important Kolkata Derby goal that ended Red & Gold Brigade's horrendous run against their neighbours.

Nandhakumar Sekar responded to his exclusion in style too as the former Odisha forward scored a late equaliser against NorthEast United when East Bengal's hopes of glory at Durand Cup was ticking away. His performance convinced Indian footballer-turn pundit Robin Singh, who memorably scored a brace in Kolkata Derby to seal Calcutta Football League title for East Bengal in 2010.

"It's a sweet headache for Igor Stimac to have," Robin tells myKhel in a conversation facilitated by MyProtein. "Nandha responding with goals right after his exclusion is probably making the coach reconsider his decision. And the way Nandha responded (against NorthEast in Durand Cup 2023) shows his mental toughness; shows he wants to be back in the national team right after the setback of getting dropped following debut."

From a myopic point of view, Nandhakumar Sekar's exclusion may feel unjustified to many as the winger had a brilliant season with Odisha FC, which included AIFF Super Cup title, before his move to the Indian football giants. However, with the tough competition for spots in the Indian squad, including from club teammate Naorem Mahesh Singh, meant Nandhakumar will have to keep on delivering the goods at the club level.

"The competition is right in front of him. Mahesh, Ashique (Kuruniyan) are fighting for spot on the left flank while the likes of Manvir Singh, (Lallinzuala) Chhangte, Udanta (Singh), are competing on the right. There's Rahul KP as well, who is an impressive talent and a tactical option for Stimac with his ability to play as striker and winger," says Robin, who made 30 international appearances for India and scored a memorable brace for East Bengal

The 33-year-old retired footballer, however, pointed out that one has to stay patient to make a place of his own in the Indian team and keep on delivering the goods at the club level.

"It took me almost two years to get my first start in the national team but you have to keep knocking on the door, you have to keep at it and that's where the mental conditioning and toughness is that important. The good thing is he is scoring goals to show that!" concluded Robin Singh.

Robin Singh on his association with Myprotein: "Myprotein has truly been a game-changer for me on my fitness journey. As an athlete, I understand the importance of supplements, and I've experimented with various products over time. Myprotein stands out as the most effective option, delivering tangible results and a noticeable transformation in both my physique and overall fitness. It has played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my fitness goals thus far."