The 49th edition of king's cup is set to take place in Thailand alongside AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in China, where there are many representatives from all over the clubs in India. The senior squad is set to go in the King`s Cup without the Star Marksman “Sunil Chettri” under the guidance of Igor Stimac and the U-23 team in china set to play under the guidance of Current Mohun Bagan Assistant coach as well as U-23 Head Coach Clifford Miranda. Several players from Mohun Bagan are set to participate in these tournaments.
Sahal Abdul Samad , Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan , Asish Rai, Anwar Ali, Manvir Singh and Subhasish Bose are set to represent India in the Kings Cup and Young guns Arsh Anwar Sheikh , Sumit Rathi, Lalrinliana Hnamte and Suhail Ahmad Bhat to represent India in the U-23 Qualifiers. Though Subhasish Bose has pulled out at the last minute due to his injury, still with 6 players in the India senior Squad , Mohun Bagan has the most number of representatives.
SAHAL ABDUL SAMAD :-
The “Indian Ozil” , with his fine ball control , trickeries and sublime dribbling can create chances out of nowhere for the team. With already a fine pre-season with Mohun Bagan by winning the Durand cup . He was in his Usual self in AFC cup qualifiers and Durand cup . Having won the First club trophy in his career , he will use that as a boost to overcome all odds against Iraq and the other possible opponent to help India get hands on the trophy.
ANIRUDH THAPA :-
The “Midfield Engine” for both Mohun Bagan and India NT again set to play his pivotal role in the National team, this time with his “Attacking midfielder in crime” Sahal abdulsamad. With already playing with him for the past 2 months in the Mohun Bagan squad, the understanding between them has only got better , which can be reflected in the national team`s performance. Thapa may be returned to his original box to box midfielder position , a position that suits him the best.
ASHIQUE KURUNIYAN :-
The winger from mallapuram who can destroy opponents with his fast pace and trickery is again set to go with the NT . His biggest asset, pace and delivering inch perfect crosses are going to be on display in the king`s cup.
ASISH RAI :-
Probably the “Best” Right back in India right now. Showcased his performance in the Mohun Bagan`s historic Durand cup campaign by winning it. Missed SAFF and Intercontinental cup due to personal reasons and will be eager and hungry to get his hands on his first trophy with the NT.
ANWAR ALI :-
The best “Ball playing”, “Young” and arguably the “Best” defender India has in recent years alongside Sandesh Jhingan. From scoring winner against Lionel Scaloni`s Argentina U-20 side to scoring winner in life to again come back in football after recovering from heart disease to now scoring winners in Mohun Bagan Colours. His ball playing and match reading ability will be in greater use against the superior of opponents. With already his first career club trophy coming in an green-maroon shirt, he will be motivated to carry this level of performance with the national team and get hands on the coveted king`s cup
MANVIR SINGH :-
With no Sunil Chettri in the squad, Manvir is expected to be the main striker starting for India. His fine form and motivation from winning the Durand cup with Mohun Bagan will help in getting goals for India.
SUHAIL AHMAD BHAT :-
The new striking sensation Mohun Bagan and India has got in recent times, Suhail Ahmad Bhat . The striker from Kashmir is in red hot form in the ongoing CFL and Recently concluded Durand cup. Though , he is the youngest of the pack still he has the potential to start over any striker in the India U-23 squad . He is expected to do well given his recent form.
SUMIT RATHI :-
The Mohun bagan reserves captain who has been fine with his defending and leadership capabilities is now looking forward to now cement his place in India colours. He might not be a guaranteed starter in the 11 but still he is a great option to come off the bench.
TERINA HNAMTE :-
The deep lying midfielder who can control the tempo of any match with ease. Hnamte , who has great passing range and an eye for goal is an asset up the sleeve of any coach , he is also expected to make an impact off the bench.
ARSH ANWAR SHEIKH:-
Though he is called up as an backup goalkeeper to PS Gill, he is an great option to call for.
***Latest Update
Thumsol Tongsin:-
MohunBagan youngster Tongsin has been called up to the National Team for the upcoming SAFF U-19 Championship! 🇮🇳