I think Stimac knows we are gonna lose this match. And he wanted to make 4-5 changes. He could have gently nudged these 3 to sit out with "injury" so he can try out other players! If everyone's going with a conspiracy theory about Chettri playing politics, agency quota players blah blah then I thought why not me. Let me also try.
Let's wait for official confirmation. This is what Stimac said:
Speaking to the media ahead of the fixture, the Croatian tactician said that, "We have Sunil with a high fever for the last three days, so he is really doubtful. Then there are two or three players who are exhausted. We will have to take tough decision.”
If I remember correctly that win against Qatar came under Armando Colaco. He is a brilliant coach. He tries nothing flashy like aerial passes or backheels but i stead focuses on a basic short passing game with the intent of keeping the opponents chasing after the ball and getting exhausted. Under him India were really playing well. Shame he did not get a full term even.
Akram Afif might not play today. It'll massively impacts Qatar's creativity. No player at AFC Asian Cup 2019 provided more assists(10) and created more chances(26) than Akram Afif.
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Speaking to the media ahead of the fixture, the Croatian tactician said that, "We have Sunil with a high fever for the last three days, so he is really doubtful. Then there are two or three players who are exhausted. We will have to take tough decision.”
https://khelnow.com/news/article/fifa-world-cup-2022-qualifier-qatar-india-sunil-chhetri-injured