Football News: Igor Stimac will remain head coach of the Indian national football team till the AFC Asian Cup in July next year

It marks the third time Stimac's tenure has been extended after he took charge of his duties as the head coach in May 2019. In 2021, his contract was extended till September of that year. 

The second extension that stretched for a year was slated to end this month. The technical committee reviewed the performance of the Indian men's team under Stimac and suggested the AIFF executive committee declare another continuation. 

"In the first agenda of the meeting, the Technical Committee recommended the extension of Senior Men's Team Head Coach Igor Stimac's contract till the AFC Asian Cup 2023," the AIFF stated. 

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup will be held from June 16 to July 16; the venue is to be determined now that hosts China backed out due to the COVID-19 situation there. 

Stimac's continuation was expected as he led the Indian squad to the 2023 Asian Cup Finals after a brilliant run at the qualifiers in June. 

Stimac, a crucial force behind Croatia's 1998 World Cup third-place finish, will oversee two international friendly matches in Vietnam later this month. India will compete against Singapore on September 24 and Vietnam three days later at Ho Chi Minh City.

India's 24-member squad is missing five top players

The list of players for the upcoming matches named by Stimac excludes some staggering names. Players like Rahul Bheke, Suresh Singh and Rahim Ali were sidelined due to injuries. 

However, some big names were snubbed, and the players in question have also featured in Stimac's team in recent years, being experienced in the field. Let's look at the names of top players not included in the list!

Asish Rai

Asish Rai has played for the senior team but has not made his debut yet. Despite his consistent growth, the coach snubbed the 23-year-old who facilitated Hyderabad FC's success in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season.

His pace, crossing ability and ability to elude the defenders' grasp makes him a worthy choice, but Stimac prefers more experienced right-backs than Rai. 

Subhasish Bose

The left-back, who has been a regular over the past five years, did not make it to Stimac's list. His performance during ATK Mohun Bagan's AFC Cup exit to Kuala Lumpur City FC in early September was lacklustre. 

The 27-year-old lacks versatility, and it is tedious sometimes to witness his attack, which is why he was not selected. 

Hormipan Ruivah

The Kerela Blasters star is considered clever and clinical at the back. He stabilises the team's defence, and over 14 matches last season, Ruivah averaged over four clearances and four tackles per game. 

Despite his composed disposition and ball reading abilities, Narender Gahlot was chosen instead of him, possible due to shortcomings in his physicality and passing ability. 

Pritam Kotal

Pritam Kotal is a mainstay in the Indian football team, having made 47 appearances for the Blue Tigers. However, the 28-year-old has been making errors and is far from his best form, so the lack of reliability has caused his absence from the squad. 

Manvir Singh

Igor Stimac praised Manvir Singh during the AFC Cup 2022 qualifiers for his speed and strength. Three months later, Stimac ruled him out of the team due to his poor stint at the Durand Cup 2022.