Qatar vs India Predicted XI: With Sunil Chhetri gone, how will Igor Stimac line up?

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India vs Qatar Predicted XI: India will face Qatar with their chances of qualifying to the World Cup qualifiers third round hanging by a very thin thread.

The only surefire way for them to progress to the next round is to get a win against Qatar. However, seeing that Qatar is a powerhouse, it almost seems impossible.

Additionally, coach Igor Stimac has another major thing to worry about which is the absence of skipper, ace, and India's highest goalscorer Sunil Chhetri. He will have to find a way or another to fill the huge shoes left by the captain which is another nearly impossible task.

Following Chhetri’s departure, the coach has named Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as the new captain for the coming Qatar vs India match. Hence, it's become obvious that the 32-year-old will be starting the match for the Blue Tigers under the bars.

According to renowned journalist Marcus Mergulhao, Nikhil Poojary has some pain in his Achilles tendon. Hence, he will not be up for selection for the match. Hence, if the coach again goes with a 4-man backline, he could bring in Mehtab Singh in the right-back position.

Whereas, Jay Gupta who started the match in the India vs Kuwait match, should start for the Blue Tigers again this time in the left-back position. With Sandesh Jhingan unavailable for selection due to an injury, his partner Anwar Ali should be pairing up with Rahul Bheke in the centre of the defence.

Apparently, the coach is not happy with the performances of Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa in the midfield. Hence, coach Stimac could bring in Jeakson Singh and Brandon Fernandes in their places.

Jeakson Singh should be accompanied by Liston Colaco and Suresh Singh in the midfield. Whereas, Brandon Fernandes should be accompanied by Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahim Ali in the final third.

India Predicted XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Jay Gupta, Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh; Liston Colaco, Suresh Singh, Jeakson Singh; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes, Rahim Ali