Currently playing for Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC and the Indian national team, Sandhu has been a crucial asset and is gearing up to guide the team towards their minimum goal: qualifying for the Asian Cup. With over a decade of experience and 75 international caps, Sandhu, who is known for his exceptional goalkeeping skills, calm composure, and leadership on the field s is the most experienced member of the squad following Sunil Chhetri’s retirement.

As the Blue Tigers train for an upcoming friendly against Malaysia on November 18 in Hyderabad, Sandhu discussed his commitment and optimism for the road ahead.

"Everyone knows this is our last FIFA friendly window before the all-important Asian Cup Qualifiers in March. So, it's very important for us to make the most of this opportunity. We are happy to have a familiar face in Sandesh Jhingan coming back. It’s great to see that he’s recovered well and has already played a couple of games (for FC Goa), Sandhu shared in an interview with the-aiff.com.

"We have five more days of training before the Malaysia game, which is good because it allows us time to work together as a team and get used to the new system that is in place with our coach.” Sandhu further added.

Reflecting on India's previous encounter with Malaysia in the Merdeka Tournament in Kuala Lumpur with India losing 2-4, Sandhu was convinced the team’s efforts deserved a better outcome, and he’s now looking forward to putting that experience to use.

“It was a different experience playing in Malaysia. They’re a good side with a lot of new faces, and a lot of quality players coming from elsewhere and helping them out. We could have got something more out of that game. It was an unlucky result for us, knowing that we scored a goal which was not allowed. Things like that happen in football. We need to brush aside what happened last time. We have a clean board in front of us and we need to make sure that we get the best result at home.”

As healthy competition and focus on team unity extend, Sandhu is appreciative of the professional and supportive environment the squad fosters.

“It’s all about being a team here in the Indian squad. It's not about who is playing and who’s not. I feel lucky to have such healthy competition. And that's not just the case in my position, but the outfielders as well. There's a lot of new blood coming into the team, who have been doing well for their clubs. Everyone wants to play for the national team. We hail from different clubs, but when we come here, it’s about getting together to work for one goal." Sandhu remarked.

The Blue Tigers are aiming for a third consecutive qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, which Sandhu considers a baseline achievement for the Blue Tigers. India had a poor showing in the 2023 edition as they finished with zero points from their group.

“I think qualifying is the minimum for us as a team that we should strive to do because we have done it already in the last two editions,” he said, highlighting the team’s recent successes and the need to maintain their upward trajectory.

With Manalo Marquez being determined to lead the Blue Tigers to their first victory under his guidance, Sandhu reiterated that they were closer to being a dream team.

“With every camp under Manolo, we’re getting close to what he wants us to be as a team. With time and the level of coaching and experience that he has, I have no doubt that we’ll be a strong team in the Asian Cup qualifiers,” said Sandhu.

India will be looking to clinch the victory on November 18 against Malaysia and look to boost their ranking ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in March.

Related tags:

2024-2025 Gurpreet Singh Sandhu