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Comment: Thumbs-Up For The Twin National Squads
With the Indian FA releasing the names of the twin set of players who have been summoned to the national camp, Goal.com ponders on the impact of the same...
28-Oct-2009 5:31:45 AM
Haven’t we heard in the past from
several critics who question the national squad’s selection? Some even went to
the extent of stating that the national coach picks only those players whom he
likes while the others who perform in the I-League are always left out.
On second thoughts, one realises that the above theory holds no ground as several youngsters have made it into the camp over the last year or two with the likes of Rakesh Masih, Jagpreet Singh, Baldeep Junior and others.
The decision of Bob Houghton to prepare two squads for the 2011 Asian Cup is certainly praiseworthy as it gives him an opportunity to pick his boys from a larger pool after having closely monitored them. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) backed Houghton on this and this move was truly commendable.
What this also does is open more avenues for the players playing in the I-League to aim at. Earlier, they only had 22 to 25 spots of the senior national side to break into, which by no means is an easy task. With an additional 24 berths, the youngsters would have more motivation and desire to perform, which will give them the chance to be in the national set-up.
India U-23 side shall play in three international tournaments which allows the Englishman to grant opportunity to several youngsters who have done well in the I-League over the last year or two.
Players like Rowilson Rodrigues, who has impressed one and all with his performances for Churchill Brothers especially with an unrivalled aerial superiority, Denzil Franco, who showed a lot of promise with Sporting in 2007-08 season and after a year in oblivion is back amongst the thick of action with Mahindra United, and many others would never directly get a chance to break it into the senior team.
Why? They are good players who have the potential to be great one. To transform their potential into reality, they need opportunities which by having just a single national team doesn’t provide. And playing against international teams gives them the necessary exposure to test their talent and take it to the next level which shall make them more matured as a player.
The Rafi Example
There was one new addition to the senior squad as Mahindra United’s Mohammed Rafi made it into the list and it goes to prove all detractors that if you prove yourself, you’ll find yourself in the national squad. The Keralaite has been in good touch since the pre-season enjoying a good run in the IFA Shield and the Durand Cup. His brace against Chirag United on Tuesday was a celebratory occasion for the 24 year old. The last minute inclusion of Subhash Singh, who scored seven in the last I-League, in the Nehru Cup squad was another such example.
Of course issues such as on and off-field behaviour also plays a crucial role in selection as often talented players are left out from the squad with the example of Antonio Cassano coming to mind. One maybe supremely gifted but if there is a temperamental or a behavioural issue, the chances of being called into the squad automatically goes down.
So all the doubting Thomases, who often have reservations about everything, will have to eat their words back and remember the Golden words of Jesus:
“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
I hope the sarcasm is understood!
Rahul Bali.
On second thoughts, one realises that the above theory holds no ground as several youngsters have made it into the camp over the last year or two with the likes of Rakesh Masih, Jagpreet Singh, Baldeep Junior and others.
The decision of Bob Houghton to prepare two squads for the 2011 Asian Cup is certainly praiseworthy as it gives him an opportunity to pick his boys from a larger pool after having closely monitored them. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) backed Houghton on this and this move was truly commendable.
What this also does is open more avenues for the players playing in the I-League to aim at. Earlier, they only had 22 to 25 spots of the senior national side to break into, which by no means is an easy task. With an additional 24 berths, the youngsters would have more motivation and desire to perform, which will give them the chance to be in the national set-up.
India U-23 side shall play in three international tournaments which allows the Englishman to grant opportunity to several youngsters who have done well in the I-League over the last year or two.
Players like Rowilson Rodrigues, who has impressed one and all with his performances for Churchill Brothers especially with an unrivalled aerial superiority, Denzil Franco, who showed a lot of promise with Sporting in 2007-08 season and after a year in oblivion is back amongst the thick of action with Mahindra United, and many others would never directly get a chance to break it into the senior team.
Why? They are good players who have the potential to be great one. To transform their potential into reality, they need opportunities which by having just a single national team doesn’t provide. And playing against international teams gives them the necessary exposure to test their talent and take it to the next level which shall make them more matured as a player.
The Rafi Example
There was one new addition to the senior squad as Mahindra United’s Mohammed Rafi made it into the list and it goes to prove all detractors that if you prove yourself, you’ll find yourself in the national squad. The Keralaite has been in good touch since the pre-season enjoying a good run in the IFA Shield and the Durand Cup. His brace against Chirag United on Tuesday was a celebratory occasion for the 24 year old. The last minute inclusion of Subhash Singh, who scored seven in the last I-League, in the Nehru Cup squad was another such example.
Of course issues such as on and off-field behaviour also plays a crucial role in selection as often talented players are left out from the squad with the example of Antonio Cassano coming to mind. One maybe supremely gifted but if there is a temperamental or a behavioural issue, the chances of being called into the squad automatically goes down.
So all the doubting Thomases, who often have reservations about everything, will have to eat their words back and remember the Golden words of Jesus:
“Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
I hope the sarcasm is understood!
Rahul Bali.
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