The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its president, Kalyan Chaubey, are facing increasing criticism from Indian football fans following a string of disappointing performances by the national team and a perceived lack of vision for the future. Most recently, Chaubey's proposal to address the striker shortage with a "crash course" for under-23 players has been met with widespread skepticism and ridicule.

The suggestion of a short-term training program led by a world-class striker has been interpreted by many fans as a superficial solution to a deep-rooted problem. Critics argue that a few days of training cannot possibly compensate for years of inadequate development at the grassroots level. Many fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some questioning whether the AIFF president understands the complexities of player development. Some fans have sarcastically questioned if this was a "school summer vacation" program, underscoring the perceived lack of seriousness in addressing the issue.

The national team's struggles in recent years have amplified the discontent. India's defeat to lower-ranked Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers sparked outrage, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia accusing Chaubey of "destroying Indian football" and calling for his resignation. Bhutia criticized the AIFF president's decisions, including the appointment of the coach and the handling of senior players, and emphasized the lack of progress at the grassroots level.

Adding to the criticism, India has only managed to score seven goals in the last 15 matches. The over-reliance on Sunil Chhetri, even bringing him out of retirement, highlights the dearth of quality strikers. Chaubey himself has acknowledged the issue, stating that "Our main concern is the lack of goals and shortage of Indian strikers". He has also expressed concerns that ISL clubs prefer foreign strikers, limiting opportunities for Indian players to develop.

In response to the mounting criticism, Chaubey has addressed the media, admitting that the results have been below expectations and stating that the federation is working on course correction. He mentioned plans to potentially limit foreign players in the domestic league to create more opportunities for local forwards and reiterated India's bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup.

However, these efforts have done little to quell the growing dissatisfaction among fans. Critics say that Chaubey's administration has been marked by controversy and a lack of transparency. The legal battle surrounding the I-League winner and allegations of corruption have further eroded trust in the AIFF leadership.

The "crash course" proposal has become a focal point of the criticism, symbolizing what many fans see as a lack of long-term planning and a tendency to prioritize quick fixes over sustainable solutions. The fundamental issue, according to many observers, is the need for investment in grassroots development, improved coaching, and more opportunities for young Indian players to gain experience at the highest levels. Until these systemic problems are addressed, the national team is likely to continue struggling, and the AIFF will continue to face the wrath of passionate but disillusioned fans.