India's former captain Sunil Chhetri has called on the Indian football team to make the most of the upcoming international friendlies with Panama, Brazil and Uruguay. Chhetri feels that the matches will teach the players crucial lessons about the demands of top-level football: India will have to battle three teams from different countries and that will be the reality.
India will work out for the first time in the current international window against Panama on Friday at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The team will then travel to Kolkata for high-profile matches against Brazil and Uruguay on Saturday. The result will still matter but Chhetri believes that playing against such a strong team will be even more important for the development of the team.
Chhetri, who has retired from the international game last year, is also an astute observer of the national team. India's all-time great performer and leading international goalscorer thinks playing against established footballing nations can help Indian players to know where they stand and what they have to work on.
Sunil Chhetri On India's Brazil And Uruguay Tests
With India's upcoming games and the experiences in them, Chhetri sees this as opportunities that can teach the players a lot. And he noted Brazil and Uruguay's high standard and experience while Panama has also made its way into the international game.
Chhetri explains that playing teams like these allows players to test themselves against some of the best competition and understand the level that one needs to compete internationally. Instead of focusing on the stars of a team and the individual players individually, he has said that India should focus on the quality, intensity and tactical approach of the teams.
The former captain also mentioned decision-making as one big area for Indian players. Playing against stronger opposition can expose the areas that may not always be evident in regular matches so often with respect to defensive organisation, concentration and quick response in the face of pressure.
Experience Could Be India's Biggest Takeaway
Chhetri believes that the greatest benefit of these games is the experience gained by the players. Matches against Brazil and Uruguay, in particular, can expose India’s squad to a speed, physicality and decision-making that is difficult to replicate in training.
While Chhetri noted that results will naturally matter, he felt the team has to not only judge the value of the games on the basis of the scoreline. Players’ knowledge of games against good competition can allow them to better understand the demands of international football and prepare them for future challenges.
The fixtures could also offer young players confidence on the field. But Chhetri says the players should embrace the moment rather than allow the reputation of their opponents to affect their performance.
Chhetri Addresses India's Goalscoring Struggles
India's attack has also been questioned after a poor Unity Cup campaign earlier this year. The team lost two matches without scoring and there are doubts about how effective it is in the final third.
Chhetri, however, believes it would be unfair to place the entire responsibility for India's goalscoring record on the forwards. He stressed that creating and scoring goals is a collective responsibility involving the entire team.
The former striker said a team will struggle to score because it doesn’t create enough chances, is not making the right decisions in the final third or just doesn’t get the breaks. He also went on to urge India’s attacking players to be patient and keep going during difficult times.
Chhetri believes football can change quickly and that one great performance or a big goal can have a huge impact on a player’s confidence. So he advised the attackers to not allow a difficult spell to influence their belief.
‘Enjoy It, Don’t Be Scared’: Chhetri's Message To Young Players
With India preparing to face teams with rich footballing histories, Chhetri’s advice to the younger players was simple: enjoy the experience.
He thinks the players must respect Brazil, Uruguay and Panama but should not be frightened by their reputation. Chhetri says these are exactly the kind of games young footballers dream about when they start playing.
Once the match starts, he wants the Indian players to focus on the basics of football rather than thinking too much about the identity of their opponents. Running, competing, making the right decisions and fulfilling their responsibilities should remain the priority.
The upcoming fixtures therefore represent more than a series of friendlies for India. They provide the squad with an opportunity to measure itself against different styles and levels of opposition while allowing younger players to experience the intensity of international football.
Kanteerava Holds Special Memories For Chhetri
India's opening match against Panama will also take place at a stadium that has a special connection with Chhetri. The Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru was a home for him during his career, especially when he was at Bengaluru FC.
Chhetri has played games at the stadium, but he has said that he had also experienced it personally when he represented India at Kanteerava. The atmosphere, the fans and the memories of the place have been so important to him in his football career.
Though he will now watch the Indian team from outside the playing squad, Chhetri’s message to the current generation is clear. Panama, Brazil and Uruguay must be viewed as opportunities to learn, compete and grow.
Chhetri's advice to India's players, especially those facing this level of opposition for the first time, is to respect the challenge without being overwhelmed by it. The fixtures could provide valuable exposure to the speed, intensity and decision-making required at the highest level of international football.
