The Indian men’s football team’s 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in Shillong was more than just a disappointing result—it was an alarming indication of stagnation.
Ranked 125th in the world, India was expected to dominate and secure three points against a Bangladesh side languishing at 185th. Instead, the game exposed glaring deficiencies in creativity, tactical awareness, and finishing ability.
A Frustrating and Predictable Pattern
This result is not a one-off setback but a continuation of a worrying trend. India has now gone winless in 2024, with six losses and five draws, and this failure to beat lower-ranked teams highlights fundamental issues.
While Bangladesh squandered multiple clear-cut chances due to their lack of a clinical striker, India’s own inability to create and convert goal-scoring opportunities was equally frustrating.
Manolo Marquez, making his competitive debut as India’s head coach, did not mince his words post-match:
“This performance is not enough. Maybe this is Indian football’s reality.”
For years, Indian football has relied on the presence of a few standout players like Sunil Chhetri, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Brandon Fernandes to paper over systemic flaws. However, the lack of a true playmaker and a tactical identity continues to haunt the team.
Bangladesh Shows More Hunger
From the first whistle, Bangladesh played with more urgency, pressing aggressively and creating chances. Their new midfield recruit, Hamza Choudhury, was instrumental in controlling the tempo, while India’s midfield struggled to link defense and attack.
If Bangladesh had a competent striker, India could have easily lost this game.
While India had a few moments—Apuia, Subhasish, and Liston Colaco showed glimpses of quality—it was not enough. Sunil Chhetri and Farukh Choudhary missed key chances, and the team lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith had a nervy outing, nearly costing India the game but ultimately making a crucial late save to salvage a point.
Excuses Are Running Out
Yes, the pitch was slippery. Yes, the weather conditions were challenging. But these are external factors that cannot be used to mask a deeper issue: India’s national team is simply not improving at the rate required to compete at the Asian level.
The excuse that “Indian football is still developing” no longer holds weight. Over a decade of exposure to a multi-million-dollar league like the Indian Super League (ISL) should have elevated the national team’s performance.
Instead, results like these prove that the gap between domestic league hype and international reality remains wide.
Time for Serious Introspection
The AIFF, the coaching staff, and the players must take accountability for this stagnation. While other Asian nations have made massive strides in their footballing structure, India seems stuck in the 1990s, unable to break past lower-ranked opposition.
If Indian football is to survive in a cricket-dominated country, it needs real progress—not just in league glamour but at the international level. Fans are passionate, the infrastructure is improving, but without a clear roadmap for success, results like these will continue.
A failure to beat Bangladesh at home is a wake-up call. Whether Indian football listens to it or continues to ignore the warning signs will define its future.
