Firstpost Exclusive: Robin Singh discusses Indian football team at Asian Cup and Chhetri's legacy

The Indian football team is an underdog in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 which also includes one of the best Asian sides — Australia. Besides world No. 25 Australia, 102nd India are up against higher-ranked Uzbekistan and Syria as they chase history. While most won’t give India even an outside chance in a tough group, former Indian football star Robin Singh feels that the team, which has “transformed” under the guidance of coach Igor Stimac, will enter every match with “the unwavering belief they can win”. Robin, who played 30 matches for India and scored five goals, has seen the Blue Tigers from close quarters, first as a player and now as an analyst. The 33-year-old says the shift in the Indian team’s mentality that they no longer are “content with merely participating”, but look to achieve “new heights” will be key for the Blue Tigers in Qatar. We caught up with the former India striker in an exclusive conversation to discuss the transformation in the Indian football team’s mentality and playing style, the challenges of the AFC Asian Cup and its importance, and his friend Sunil Chhetri’s legacy. Excerpts from the interview: Firstpost: What are your thoughts as a footballer on what has been the biggest change for the Indian football team under coach Igor Stimac? Robin Singh: Since Igor Stimac took charge, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in every aspect of Indian football. Individual players like Sunil Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, (Naorem) Mahesh and Sahal (Abdul Samad) have reached new heights, showcasing their technical skills and tactical awareness on the global stage. We’ve lifted two consecutive SAFF Championships, a testament to the team’s newfound tactical discipline and attacking intent. During the World Cup qualifiers, the 10-game unbeaten streak wasn’t just about results; it symbolised a shift in mentality, a steely resolve to compete against any opponent. Stimac has instilled a possession-based playing style, encouraging players to dominate the midfield and dictate the tempo of the game. Gone are the days of simply participating. Under Stimac, the Blue Tigers enter every match with the unwavering belief they can win. Witnessing this shift on the field has been exhilarating for me as a fan, and I eagerly await the future of Indian football with Stimac at the helm, confident that he can guide us to even greater heights. Technically where would you rate this team as compared to the Indian sides we have seen since the turn of the century? RS: The hunger for improvement has always been ingrained in this team, and now it’s paying off in a big way. After years of toiling away in the middle of the pack, they’ve exploded onto the scene with immense transformation. Their offence has become stronger netting twice as many goals as last season, while their defence has tightened up into an impenetrable wall. Witnessing this rise has been a thrill for any football fan, and it’s clear that this team is just getting started. They’re no longer content with merely participating; they’re aiming for new heights, and with their relentless drive, there’s no telling what they can achieve next. [caption id=“attachment_13608762” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Robin Singh as a striker is known for his physical presence. AIFF image[/caption] While it’s natural for us to be excited, what can we realistically expect from India at the Asian Cup? RS: The tournament will be a massive challenge, but once that whistle blows it’s 11v11 and anything is possible, the football we play might not be pretty but I’m sure the hunger, desire and commitment will not be lacking. One step at a time and going into every game with the intent to win should be the idea. The results will follow and I’m sure this Asian Cup will be our testament to the unyielding hearts of the Blue Tigers What’s the importance of the Asian Cup in the context of developing football in India — on and off the pitch? RS: The Asian Cup will be integral for the growth of Indian football. The Asian Cup isn’t just a tournament for India; it’s a testing ground for the Blues. Facing giants like Australia and hungry contenders like Syria will help us grow, we as a football playing country are on an upward trajectory. Every victory against a contender like Syria will be a brick laid in the foundation of Indian football’s future igniting a spark of ambition in the youth of our country.

Wishes pouring in from legends across the world 💙

Thank you Diego Forlán 🇺🇾, Nicolas Anelka 🇫🇷 and Peter Reid 🇬🇧 for your kind words 🫶🇮🇳#AsianCup2023 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/LLe5TIdbXM

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 13, 2024

India have been hard done by the group, so what if results don’t go Chhetri and Co’s way in the tournament? RS: I believe that in every loss there’s an opportunity to learn and that is exactly what the boys and Igor Stimac will also be looking for. Moving from the Asian Cup to the World Cup qualifiers, it will also be an opportunity to test themselves and move into the further stages. Your former partner Sunil Chhetri is set for his last AFC Asian Cup. How do you see his legacy?  RS: He’s an example for all the young boys and girls in the country on how to carry yourself on and off the pitch if you want to play at the highest level and his goals aren’t just numbers, they’re testaments to a relentless pursuit of excellence while playing at the highest level, be it club or country.