India vs Uzbekistan, AFC Asian Cup: 'Sahal Abdul Samad A Big Miss,' Says Bhaichung Bhutia

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As we head into the India vs Uzbekistan match in the AFC Asian Cup 2023, head coach Igor Stimac has hinted that his team is going to approach the game with an attacking intent with a positive result crucial if India wish to advance to the knockout stages for the first time in six decades.

Unfortunately, India would have to do without the creative prowess of gifted midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who is yet to recover from his injury sustained before the AFC Asian Cup. The 26-year-old Mohun Bagan player missed the opening Group B loss to Australia too and Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia believes Sahal's services will be missed more now.

Bhaichung Bhutia, whose name needs no introduction to Indian football fans and who unsuccessfully ran for the AIFF presidency in 2022, spoke to myKhel before India vs Uzbekistan match in an exclusive conversation and said India would have benefitted from Sahal's creative abilities in the middle of the park. The 47-year-old former Indian captain, however, added that India have the squad depth now and a chance for someone else to step up.

"Injuries are part of the game, and they undoubtedly weaken any team," Bhutia said during a conversation facilitated by Orchids The International School. "Sahal's creativity and ability to unlock defenses will be missed. However, India has built depth in recent years, and other players must step up and show their mettle. This is also an opportunity for youngsters to prove themselves on a big stage."

Speaking further on the Indian squad's depth and ability, the 2008 Padmasri awardee also praised coach Igor Stimac for bringing about important changes to the Indian team as they went on an unbeaten run of 15 games at home while pulling up an eight-match clean sheet streak as well in 2023.

The Blue Tigers went down to Qatar and Australia in their last two matches but their ability to put up a fight, especially against Qatar in the World Cup Qualifiers back in November in Bhubaneswar, left many of the Indian greats impressed, including Bhutia, who felt Igor Stimac has raised the standard of the Indian football team.

"Stimac has brought discipline, structure, and a tactical approach to the Indian team. His focus on fitness and professionalism has raised the bar," said the 'Sikkimese Sniper'. "While results haven't always been consistent, there's a visible improvement in playing style and mentality. The team is more compact, organised, and hungry to compete."

There's one area of concern, however, that lingers in the mind of many Indian football fans and experts alike that if India's ask for goals at a major competition like AFC Aisan Cup 2023 ends at their ageing striker Sunil Chhetri, who leads the team in Qatar at the age of 39.

India's record goalscorer with 92 international goals, Sunil Chhetri is a serial net-buster for the national team and reiterated in recent times that he is not thinking about hanging his boots yet. However, one scoring outlet can't just be a solution in the longer run, especially when there's a plethora of quality Indian players waiting in the wings.

Likes of Lallinzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh among others are appreciated for their technical abilities and seen as future stars of Indian football. While none of them are proper strikers like Chhetri but are capable of finding the net from wider positions.

Chhangte established himself in the national team following a fabulous goal-scoring run of 10 goals and 6 assists at his club Mumbai City FC while Manvir Singh has the nack of finding the nets in big games. Bhaichung Bhutia believes they are capable of carrying their legacy.

"Absolutely! India has a bright future with these young guns. They're talented, hardworking, and hungry for success. While replacing Sunil's legacy is no easy feat, they have the potential to carry the torch with their own unique styles and strengths," said the 1999 Arjuna Awardee.

With the likes of Chhetri and Chhangte in the team, the Blue Tiger is a nice blend of experience and youth at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 in Qatar. As mentioned earlier the loss against the mighty Australians was seen in a positive light given the gulf in stature of the two football teams, and the hopes of fans of reaching AFC Asian Cup knockout stages are intact.

Facing World No. 68 Uzbekistan and World No. 91 Syria, 102nd-ranked India are capable of surprising the two nations in days to come and finding their way to the knockout stages. Bhutia feels no different as he expects a well-balanced side like India to buck the trend.

"Experienced players like Sunil and Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu) provide guidance and stability, while the youngsters inject fresh energy and enthusiasm. The U-17 boys have tasted success on the world stage, which builds confidence and a winning mentality. This blend of experience and youthful exuberance can be India's key to success in the Asian Cup," said Bhaichung.

Before bidding goodbye, the former East Bengal striker also spoke of his association with Orchids The International School Bengaluru, where he attended the Masterclass session.

"This is the second time I'm engaging in a Masterclass at Orchids The International School, the previous one was at Kolkata. With the partnership with Orchids The International School, we aim to identify and nurture football talent across India.

"The specialised coaches with over 15 years of experience will mentor and guide the students closely. This partnership has the potential to contribute to the development of Indian football by providing a structured pathway for young talent. We have also plans to expand the coaching in other sports as well."