The Indian national football team has historically been composed of players born within the country’s borders. However, with the increasing globalization of football and the emergence of players of Indian origin abroad, a new avenue opens up for the national team. If players of Indian origin (PIO) were permitted to represent India, several talented individuals could potentially bolster the team’s strength and diversity.

Indian-Origin Players Who Could Don the Tricolour

Yan Dhanda: The Scottish Trailblazer

Born on December 14, 1998, in Dudley, England, Yan Dhanda is an attacking midfielder currently playing for Heart of Midlothian in Scotland. His father hails from Punjab, India, making Dhanda eligible to represent India internationally.

He has openly expressed his desire to play for India, stating, “I spoke to the manager about a month ago and obviously he’s desperate for me to play because they have a new manager.” Dhanda’s experience in European competitions, including scoring a decisive goal in a European match, highlights his potential impact on the Indian team.

Manprit Sarkaria: The Austrian Connection

At 28, Manprit Sarkaria has established himself in Scottish football. Born to Indian parents, he has represented Austria at the international level but has expressed interest in switching allegiances to India.

His experience and versatility could provide valuable options for the national team. Sarkaria’s potential inclusion has been a topic of discussion, with experts noting, “Just the prospect of a footballer who was good enough to make a Ralf Ragnick team, donning the Indian jersey is exciting enough.”

Dilan Markanday: The English Innovator

Dilan Markanday, born on August 20, 2001, in Barnet, England, is a right winger currently on loan at Leyton Orient from Blackburn Rovers. He made history as the first British Asian and the first player of Indian descent to appear for Tottenham Hotspur’s men’s first team in a competitive match.

Markanday’s agility and flair on the right flank could add a new dimension to India’s attacking options.

Brandon Khela: The Rising Star

Teammate to Dhanda at Ross County, Brandon Khela has been a significant presence in Scottish football. Born to Indian parents, Khela’s performances have been noteworthy, with both he and Dhanda making history at Celtic Park.

Their collaboration on the field has been instrumental in challenging stereotypes and inspiring British South Asians in football.

Simranjit Singh Thandi: The Defensive Pillar

Simranjit Singh Thandi, a former Leicester youth, has become a defensive mainstay for Doxa Katokopias in Cyprus. Since joining in January 2024, he has impressed with his resilience and leadership at the back. His transition to European football has honed his skills, making him a valuable asset for the Indian defense.

Rohan Luthra: The Goalkeeping Prodigy

Rohan Luthra’s rise in the footballing world has been meteoric. His performances have caught the eye of national selectors, and his potential inclusion in the Indian squad is highly anticipated. Luthra’s agility and shot-stopping abilities position him as a future star for the national team.​

Shaan Hundal: The Emerging Forward

Shaan Hundal’s prowess as a centre forward has been evident in his performances. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a forward to watch. Hundal’s inclusion could bolster India’s attacking options, providing a fresh impetus to their offensive play.​

Sarpreet Singh: The Creative Midfielder

Sarpreet Singh’s vision and passing accuracy have made him a standout in midfield. His creative playmaking abilities could be the catalyst for India’s attacking strategies, linking defense and attack seamlessly. Singh’s flair adds a creative spark that could elevate India’s midfield dynamics.​

Arjan Raikhy: The Midfield General

Arjan Raikhy’s combative style and leadership qualities make him a valuable midfield asset. His ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball effectively provides a solid foundation for the team’s build-up play. Raikhy’s presence in midfield adds balance and stability to the team’s structure.​

Luther Singh: The Versatile Winger

Luther Singh’s versatility allows him to operate effectively on both wings. His pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Singh’s adaptability and flair could provide tactical flexibility, allowing the team to exploit various attacking options.​

Luke Singh: The Defensive Strategist

Luke Singh’s tactical awareness and positioning make him a reliable centre back. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions adds a layer of security to the defense. Singh’s leadership at the back could organize the defense and instill confidence in the team.​

The potential inclusion of players of Indian origin in the national team represents a significant opportunity to enrich Indian football. Their diverse experiences and skills could lead to a more dynamic and competitive team, reflecting the global nature of the sport and the widespread Indian diaspora. Embracing such talent could be a pivotal step toward elevating India’s stature on the international football stage.

Read More: An Indian Name at the 2026 World Cup: Sarpreet Singh’s Historic Journey

FAQs