India's Future Football Stars: Who Will be the Next Superstar After Sunil Chhetri?
As the legendary Sunil Chhetri prepares to hang his boots, the football community in India is eagerly watching for the next superstar to emerge on the field. Players like Chhetri are irreplaceable, but so were Bhaichung Bhutia and Vijayan the Kalo Harin Black Buck. Each brought a unique approach to the game, and it's time to look for the next phenomenal striker, not another Sunil Chhetri.
Top Candidates for India's Next Football Superstar
Sahal Samad
This name comes from none other than our former captain, Bhaichung Bhutia. He suggested that the 23-year-old Kerala Blasters striker Sahal Samad could be the next forward. His performance in the 2016-17 Santosh Trophy and the 2018-19 ISL further validates this potential. Sahal's ability to score crucial goals and his consistency have made him a promising star in the making.
Vikram Pratap Singh
It's too early to judge a player in their teens, but Vikram Pratap Singh has been making a name for himself with his incredible eye for goal and exceptional positioning. In the blue jersey, he has already shown the potential to become a major player in Indian football. His talent is undeniable and warrants further attention.
Subho Ghosh
Subho Ghosh, a striker who made his debut last year for Mohun Bagan, has astonished many football experts. With 3 goals in just 8 appearances, Subho Ghosh has established himself as a potential candidate to follow in Chhetri's footsteps. His early career achievements make him a strong contender for the role of India's next superstar.
Komal Thatal (19 years old)
Komal Thatal is another promising young talent. He has shown a great deal of skill and possesses a unique set of tricks. He performed well at the U-17 World Cup in 2017 but missed the last two matches, likely due to his height (5'4ft) which poses a challenge against defenders who are usually between 5'9ft to 6'0ft. His diminutive stature is both an attribute and a limitation in the sport.
Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad
Compared to the younger players, established stars like Jeje Gurpreet and Jinghan will eventually become important, but the focus should be on Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad. Both play central midfield and are highly exciting talents. Sahal has only 2 caps, but he is a raw talent with immense potential. Only time will tell if the new coach Igor Stimac will provide them with the opportunities they need to develop into even better footballers.
Conclusion
The search for the next Indian football superstar is in full swing. With multiple promising young talents in the pipeline, the future of Indian football looks bright. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the path to becoming a football superstar in India is challenging, but the potential for growth and development is enormous.