Person of Indian Origin Players Who Could Potentially Play football for India

India has long struggled to make a significant impact on the global football stage. One of the key challenges has been the limited pool of top-level players available for international selection.

However, in recent years, there has been increasing discussion about overseas players of Indian origin who could potentially represent India if the rules permitted it.

The concept of an “India Overseas XI” brings to light a talented group of footballers with Indian heritage who are currently playing in various leagues worldwide. If India were to amend its citizenship laws to allow dual nationality or relaxed naturalization rules, some of these players could significantly boost the national team’s quality.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players from this India Overseas XI who could strengthen the Indian national football team.

Key Players in the India Overseas XI

1. Yan Dhanda (Centre Forward, England)

A product of Liverpool’s youth academy, Yan Dhanda currently plays in Scotland. As an attacking midfielder/forward, he possesses technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring instincts that could massively benefit India’s attacking play.

2. Manprit Sarkaria (Centre Forward, Austria)

Manprit Sarkaria is an Austrian footballer of Punjabi descent who plays as a forward. He has pace, finishing ability, and tactical awareness, making him a great option in attack.

3. Dilan Markanday (Left Winger, England)

One of the most exciting wingers of Indian origin, Markanday came through Tottenham Hotspur’s youth system before moving to Blackburn Rovers. His dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability make him a potential game-changer.

4. Ryan Williams (Right Winger, Australia)

An Australian winger with Indian roots, Williams has played in England and Australia. His speed and work rate could be an asset for India’s attacking play.

5. Brandon Khela (Centre Midfielder, England)

A promising young midfielder who became the first British South Asian player to sign a professional contract with Birmingham City, Khela is known for his passing range and composure on the ball.

6. Mal Benning (Centre Midfielder, England)

A seasoned player with experience in English football, Benning could add stability and leadership to India’s midfield.

7. Adrian Pereira (Left Back, Norway)

A Norwegian footballer of Indian descent, Pereira plays as a left-back and has defensive solidity and crossing ability, which India lacks in full-back positions.

8. Sai Sachdev (Right Back, England)

Another exciting young full-back with experience in English football, Sachdev’s defensive discipline and attacking instincts make him a promising option for India’s backline.

9. Danny Batth (Centre Back, England)

A veteran centre-back who has played extensively in the English Championship, Batth’s experience and leadership could solidify India’s defense.

10. Simranjit Thandi (Centre Back, England)

A young and dynamic defender with good ball-playing ability, Thandi has the potential to bring modern defensive techniques to the Indian team.

11. Rohan Luthra (Goalkeeper, England)

Currently playing in England, Luthra is one of the very few goalkeepers of Indian origin playing in professional European leagues. His presence could vastly improve India’s options in goal.

Key Players Among the Substitutes

1. Sarpreet Singh (Attacking Midfielder, New Zealand)

A former Bayern Munich player, Sarpreet is one of the most technically gifted players of Indian origin. He has already played in the Bundesliga and could be a top-class playmaker for India.

2. Arjan Raikhy (Centre Midfielder, England)

An Aston Villa youth product, Raikhy has shown great potential in midfield and could add creativity and balance.

3. Luther Singh (Left Winger, South Africa)

A South African international with Indian heritage, Singh has experience in European leagues and could be a strong addition to India’s attack.

4. Shaan Hundal (Centre Forward, Canada)

A promising striker from Canada, Hundal has the ability to hold up play and finish well inside the box.

5. Luke Singh (Centre Back, Trinidad & Tobago)

A strong defender playing in MLS and other competitive leagues, Singh could provide physicality and aerial strength in India’s defense.

Could They Play for India?

The Citizenship Challenge

The biggest hurdle for these players to represent India is the country’s strict citizenship laws, which do not allow dual nationality. Unlike countries like England, France, or even Algeria, which have benefited from their diaspora talent, India currently does not have a system to integrate players of Indian origin unless they renounce their current nationality.

What Can Be Done?

1. Policy Changes: India could introduce a special provision for athletes to represent the national team without renouncing their primary citizenship.

2. Long-Term Development: The AIFF could create structured pathways to attract young players of Indian descent to join Indian football at an early age.

3. Overseas Scouting Programs: Setting up scouting networks in countries like England, Canada, Australia, and the USA to identify Indian-origin talents early and integrate them into youth setups in India.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity or a Future Possibility?

The India Overseas XI presents a what-if scenario for Indian football. With players competing in top leagues worldwide, they could significantly improve the national team’s quality if eligibility rules were more flexible.

While it remains uncertain whether India will make policy changes to allow these players to represent the country, their talent and success serve as an inspiration for young Indian footballers dreaming of making it big on the global stage.

If India wants to compete at the highest level, especially in events like the AFC Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers, finding ways to integrate such players could be a game-changer for the future.