The Indian National Team are at a differrnt level from where they were over decade ago. More oppourtunities meant that more was the competition to play at the highest level. The number of debuts handed out by Igor Stimac in his mere 3 years as head coach is the proof. Here are the players who made their International debut in the Stimac era.
Rahim Ali
Chennaiyin FC’s young striker made his international debut against Nepal on September 2, 2021. He bagged the Man of the Match award on his debut. He has been impressive with the U-23 team as well.
Seriton Fernandes
FC Goa’s right-back also made his debut against Nepal on September 2, 2021. He replaced Akash Mishra at the beginning of the second half.
Glan Martins
The midfielder had his debut against a strong Qatar side on June 3, 2021. It was the joint qualifier of the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Liston Colaco
Igor Stimac handed the Hyderabad FC player his debut against UAE on March 29, 2021. India would go on to lose that game 6-0.
Mashoor Shereef
The NorthEast FC defender was introduced in the 90th minute of the game against Oman on March 25, 2021. Mashoor was one among the 10 players who were handed their debuts on that day.
Lalengmavia Ralte
Popularly known as Apuia, the Mumbai City FC player made his debut against Oman. He came on as a substitute in the second half and put on a impressive performance that garnered praise from all corners.
Mohammed Yasir
The Hyderabad FC player too made his international debut on March 25, 2021 against Oman. An attacking midfielder by trade, he came on in the second half.
Chinglensana Singh
While he did play for India against Bhutan, the fixture was an unofficial friendly and thus unaccounted. He made his official debut against Oman on March 25, 2021.
Jeakson Singh
The young midfielder from Manipur made his debut against Oman in Dubai. The former U-17 professional was a part of the starting 11 .
Bipin Singh
The joint second-highest scorer of the Indian Super League deserved to get his debut more than anyone else. He was a vital part of Mumbai City FC’s title-winning campaign. He made his debut against Oman.
Suresh Wangjam
Bengaluru FC’s bright attacking midfielder made his debut against Oman. Despite Bengaluru FC having their worst season ever, Suresh gave a performance that put him in the squad with a second thought.
Akash Mishra
The left-back had a debut ISL season to remember with Hyderabad FC last season. Thus, it was not a surprise when he made his way into Igor Stimac’s squad against Oman.
Ashutosh Mehta
Age is just a number and no on is too old to make their debut. At 30, Ashutosh made his debut against Oman after an impressive season with NorthEast United FC.
Jobby Justin
Former East Bengal Forward Jobby Justin made his international debut against Tajikistan in the Intercontinental Cup. He came on in the 88th minute replacing Sunil Chhetri.
Narendra Gahlot
Like Jobby Justin, Gahlot made his debut against Tajikistan on July 7, 2019. He was a part of the starting line-up. He grabbed his first international goal against Syria in the final match of the tournament.
Michael Soosairaj
Soosairaj made his debut against Curacao on June 5, 2019. ATK Mohun Bagan’s winger came on as a substitute for Brandon Fernandes with 23 minutes left.
Rayneir Fernandes
Mumbai City FC’s Raynier Fernandes also made his debut against Curacao. He came on as a half-time substitute for Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Amarjit Singh
India’s Captain in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup made his debut for the senior debut against Curacao. He came on at half-time for Pronay Halder.
Rahul Bheke
After a couple of impressive performaces in the Indian Super League over the years, Bheke made his debut against Curacao. He was a part of the starting line-up alongside Sandesh Jhingan.
Brandon Fernandes
FC Goa’s midfielder made his debut against Curacao on June 5, 2019. He played for 67 minutes before coming off for Michael Soosairaj. He has been a regular ever since.
Sahal Abdul Samad
The Kerala Blaster midfielder made his first appearance against Curacao. India would go on to lose the game 1-3.
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