The Indian national football team finds itself grappling with a concerning trend: a goal drought. This dry spell isn't just a matter of statistics; it reflects deeper issues within the team's attacking setup and raises questions about the future of Indian football.
India's over-reliance on talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri for goals has been a long-standing concern. While Chhetri's contributions are undeniable – he has scored a significant portion of India's goals since 2015 – it also highlights the lack of consistent goal-scoring threats from other players. This dependence becomes problematic when Chhetri is marked tightly by opposing defenses, is out of form, or absent from the squad. As the veteran striker approaches the twilight of his career, the urgency to find other reliable goal-scorers has only intensified.
A closer look reveals a systemic issue. In modern football, goals can come from various positions, not just from the designated forwards. Historically, India has seen goals from midfielders and even defenders during set-piece situations. But recently, the frequency of goals from non-forwards has declined, further compounding the problem. This suggests a lack of attacking dynamism and diverse attacking strategies.
The recent performance in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, where India suffered a 1-0 defeat against Hong Kong China, underscores the severity of the situation. Despite controlling parts of the game, the team struggled to convert opportunities into goals. This loss highlights the team's struggles with penetration in the final third, despite energy and possession.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recognizes the issue and is considering solutions. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has suggested a "crash course" in finishing for under-23 strikers, potentially with the help of a world-class striker. This initiative could provide young players with specialized training to improve their goal-scoring abilities.
However, a short-term training camp might not be enough to address the deeper, more structural problems. The Indian Super League (ISL) plays a crucial role in developing Indian talent. However, there is an evident skill gap between foreign and Indian players, especially in the forward positions. Often, Indian center-forwards lack the technical ability and tactical awareness of their foreign counterparts. Due to the pressure to win, clubs often prefer fielding foreign strikers, limiting opportunities for Indian players to gain experience and confidence in crucial roles.
This lack of playing time can create a vicious cycle. Without consistent opportunities, Indian strikers struggle to develop, and clubs remain hesitant to rely on them. As a result, many promising players end up playing in secondary roles or out of their preferred positions, hindering their development as goal-scorers.
To break this cycle, a multi-pronged approach is needed. This includes investing in youth development programs to identify and nurture talented strikers from a young age. Creating a competitive environment within the ISL, where Indian players are given more opportunities to play in key positions, is also crucial. Additionally, focusing on tactical training to improve the team's attacking movements and create more goal-scoring chances is essential.
The goal drought India is experiencing is a symptom of deeper issues that require attention at all levels of the sport. While short-term solutions can provide temporary relief, a long-term commitment to developing Indian talent and fostering a more dynamic attacking style is necessary to ensure a sustainable future for Indian football.
