By Monojit Mandal
You know, for years, we’ve been dreaming about Indian football finally taking off. We’ve had big promises—fancy development plans, foreign coaches with impressive resumes, and a shiny domestic league that’s supposed to change everything. But every time I watch the national team play, it feels like we’re stuck in the same old story.
Take that recent game against Bangladesh—a goalless draw against a team we should’ve beaten with our eyes closed.
It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Another reminder that no matter how much we hope, the team just can’t seem to break free from its struggles.
A Rut We Can’t Shake
I still remember that flicker of joy back in November 2023 when we scraped a 1-0 win against Kuwait in a World Cup qualifier.
It felt like maybe, just maybe, things were turning around. But since then? It’s been one disappointment after another.
We crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup without making a dent, stumbled through more qualifiers, and even in friendly matches, we can’t seem to find our footing.
The only bright spot was a 3-0 win against Maldives, but let’s be real—they haven’t had a proper league in two years, so it’s hardly a flex.
Looking at the numbers makes it even worse: seven losses, six draws, and just one win in our last fourteen games.
Against Bangladesh, we barely managed two shots on target in over 90 minutes! Two! It’s like the team forgot how to attack or work together. Honestly, it’s tough to watch.
What’s Going Wrong?
AIFF keeps talking about how the team’s evolving, but I’m not seeing it on the pitch. Against Bangladesh, it was like we didn’t have a plan. The midfield kept lobbing hopeful long balls instead of building something solid through the center, and Bangladesh just ate it up. The idea of a high defensive line—supposedly to press and move fast—backfired big time. Our defenders, bless them, aren’t getting any younger or quicker, and they were left scrambling every time Bangladesh countered.
It’s not just one game, though. We’ve lost that ability to take charge. Instead of setting the pace, we’re always reacting, hoping someone pulls off a miracle. Sunil Chhetri’s return was supposed to light a fire under the team—he’s our legend, after all—but even he ended up stuck defending more than attacking. It’s heartbreaking to see.
Slipping in Asia
This isn’t just about Bangladesh game. Over the past few years, teams like Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam have been giving us a hard time. Once upon a time, we used to be the big dogs in South Asia, but now? We can’t even dominate our own backyard.
That draw with Bangladesh was the third time in four games we couldn’t beat them. It’s like we’re losing ground, and no one knows how to stop the slide.
What’s Next?
Up next is Hong Kong, who just played a goalless draw with Singapore. On paper, we should win. But after what we’ve seen lately, I’m not holding my breath. The AIFF keeps chasing quick fixes and flashy headlines, but without a real, long-term plan, I’m worried we’re just going to keep drifting. It’s like we’re stuck in limbo, and it’s tough to stay hopeful.
Could PIO and OCI Players Save Us?
Here’s a thought—what if we brought in players of Indian origin from abroad? You know, PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India) who grew up with better coaching, top-notch facilities, and tougher leagues. Guys like Yan Dhanda from England or Harmeet Singh from Norway could add some serious skill.
We’ve seen it work before—Izumi Arata, a PIO who became an Indian citizen in 2012, played nine games for us and made a difference.
Look at Qatar or Indonesia—they’ve brought in overseas talent and turned their teams around. Qatar’s even become a force in Asia! If we did the same, maybe we’d climb the FIFA rankings or get closer to the World Cup. Plus, imagine the buzz—big-name PIO or OCI players could get kids here excited about football and put us on the global map.
But here’s the catch: it’s not a magic wand. Our real problems—like fixing grassroots football and building a strong foundation—won’t go away.
And then there’s the law. India’s strict citizenship rules make it a nightmare to bring these players in, and even though the AIFF has pushed for change, it feels like a pipe dream right now.
So, for now, we’re left where we are—hoping for better days but stuck in the same old mess. Those PIO and OCI players? They’re a tempting idea, but until something shifts, they’re just out of reach.