The footballing fraternity in India was glued to social media and news sites on Wednesday as the Indian national team announced the preliminary 28-man squad which will be flying to Abu Dhabi for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2019 in UAE. Billed as the biggest footballing spectacle in the continent, the AFC Asian Cup serves as the ideal opportunity for India’s biggest talents to showcase their skills and help the country make a mark on the global stage.

While India head coach Stephen Constantine's shortlist featured some of the best players in the country, there were a few noteworthy exclusions which left fans bemused.

Here's a list of a few Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) players who were unlucky to have missed out on a spot in Constantine's AFC Asian Cup squad.

Rahul Bheke

Rahul Bheke’s omission from Constantine’s initial 34-man probables earlier this month created quite a stir on social media and with good reason. The Bengaluru FC right back has been one of the standout players of Hero ISL 2018-19. Bheke has been an integral part of a Bengaluru defensive setup that has conceded the least number of goals (8) in the league so far. In addition to his sound defending, Bheke has also chipped in with a few important goals up front which earned him the nickname 'Bhekenbauer' among the Blues' faithful. The 28-year-old already has two goals and an assist to his name this season - a testimony to his new-found attacking acumen. Bheke’s excellence this season on both ends of the pitch makes his exclusion all the more surprising.

Even Bheke's Bengaluru teammate Erik Paartalu took to Twitter to convey the same.

Sahal Abdul Samad

Sahal Abdul Samad's inclusion in the 34-man probable squad picked for the preparatory camp hardly came as a surprise for fans who have been following the Hero ISL closely this season. Despite Kerala Blasters FC’s abysmal form this season, Sahal has been the silver lining for them and thoroughly deserved the call-up. However, fans were ultimately left disappointed when he was omitted from the squad travelling to Abu Dhabi. Under former head coach David James, the 21-year-old featured in 11 matches during the first half of the season and impressed in every outing. His calmness and composure on the ball under pressure would have definitely benefitted the Blue Tigers' midfield.

Michael Soosairaj

Michael Soosairaj’s exclusion from the squad was another decision that surprised a lot of the Indian fans. The Chennai-based winger has taken the league by storm this season with his explosive pace and dizzying runs along the flanks. He has scored three goals for Jamshedpur FC, including a match-winning performance against the mighty FC Goa. However, the hamstring injury which he suffered last month might have been an underlying reason for his exclusion from the squad.

Brandon Fernandes

Brandon Fernandes has been a revelation for FC Goa this season and has stood out even in the Gaurs' star-studded attacking line-up. Goa have been the most prolific side this season while going forward and Brandon has been at the thick of the action. Forming a strong partnership with Hugo Boumous and Ferran Corominas, the winger has improved his game considerably, contributing with two goals and two assists this season. The 24-year-old was unlucky not to have been considered for the squad but if he can sustain his fine form, a spot in the national team may only be a matter of time.

Komal Thatal

Since impressing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, Komal Thatal has scripted a steady rise to the highest level of Indian football. Signed by ATK in January last season, the teenager didn't get much game time in his inaugural Hero ISL, but the 18-year-old has flourished under Steve Coppell's guidance in this campaign. Constantine has taken note of his abilities, selecting him for the preparatory camp for the friendly against Jordan last month as well as the one held this week. However, the youngster failed to make it to the final squad on both occasions. With some fine ball control and quick feet, Thatal’s addition to the squad could have added some X-factor to the Blue Tigers.

Thoi Singh

Despite Chennaiyin FC’s disastrous title defence this season, Thoi Singh has definitely made a mark. With Jeje Lalpekhlua struggling to rediscover his goal scoring touch, the onus was on Thoi to deliver the goods. The 28-year old has scored four times and is only second behind Sunil Chhetri among the Indian scorers this season. His movement off the ball and goal-poaching abilities have impressed fans and critics alike. His absence from the squad has been a topic of some serious debates among fans.

Nishu Kumar and Jerry Lalrinzuala were unfortunate to pick up injuries over the past week and hence were ruled out of selection. Bengaluru's Harmanjot Khabra and ATK's Ricky Lallawmawma have also been consistent performers this season and deserve honorary mentions in the list. Stephen Constantine will announce the final 23-man squad for the AFC Asian Cup in a few days’ time.

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2018-2019