Only a collective team effort can bring back the winning rhythm for the Indian national team felt Sandesh Jhingan.
With India preparing for the second group league match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier way to Hong Kong on June 10 at the AIFF centre of excellence here, Jhingan said that the team needs to find the right coordination between the departments to regain the successful form that has been eluding it for some time.
“We are facing certain things which led to a dip in form. We (the players) feel worse and so do our families. Sometimes we let the country down but there are times when we have come up with great performances. That’s the life of a footballer. You have to keep trying to do better and focus on the future,” the centre back said.
India remained winless all through 2024 (in 11 matches) before ending the streak of 489 days on March 19 this year against Maldives in an international friendly. The crisis returned as India played a goalless draw while hosting Bangladesh in the first match of the Asian Cup qualifier (on March 25) and squandering crucial points.
Needing a win against Hong Kong to brighten its chances, India will have to regain its scoring efficiency which Jhingan said will happen if everyone in the team does their job properly.
“The reason we are not scoring is because we at the back are not putting up the ball to the midfield. And the midfield is not putting good balls in the box, and that’s why we’re not scoring. To point out a single aspect is very unfair as it is a collective effort in the end,” he said.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com