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Meet India's 23-man squad for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup

Jerry Lalrinzuala and Arindam Bhattacharya missed out as Stephen Constantine picked an experienced 23-man squad for the Asian Cup. Here's a quick guide to the 23 Indians going to the UAE.

GOALKEEPERS

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

International Caps: 26

Club: Bengaluru FC

Has made the number one his own since the last edition. Outstanding shot-stopper, together with his ability to distribute. Must improve off set-pieces.

Amrinder Singh

International Caps: 2

Club: Mumbai City FC

An able replacement for Sandhu, if required. Makes Mumbai City look better at the back than what they often are.

Vishal Kaith

International Caps: 4

Club: FC Pune City

A fearless 'keeper in the Subrata Pal mould, Kaith may not see much game time, but offers a viable option on the bench.


DEFENDERS

Pritam Kotal

International Caps: 28

Club: ATK (On loan from Delhi Dynamos)

One of the best crossers of the ball from right-back. How he balances attack and defence will be vital, especially against the hosts.

Sarthak Golui

International Caps: 3

Club: FC Pune City

A recent graduate to the team, he has a competent ability to drive forward from full-back. Still needs some polishing on tracking back.

Sandesh Jhingan

International Caps: 27

Club: Bengaluru FC

Defender who takes no prisoners when he challenges. Can also chip in with goals, but his style leaves India vulnerable to free-kicks, penalties.

Anas Edathodika

International Caps: 13

Club: Kerala Blasters

If this were 2017, could have been the first name on the sheet. Recent form and fitness make him a doubtful centre-back starter.

Salam Ranjan Singh

International Caps: 10

Club: East Bengal

The lone I-League representative, has looked comfortable in India colours. Offers the option of playing both in the centre and along the sides.

Subhasish Bose

International Caps: 9

Club: Mumbai City

Fiesty full-back whose attacking game has improved markedly over the past couple of years. Will need to keep his temper in check, though.

Narayan Das

International Caps: 28

Club: Delhi Dynamos

Once India's most promising left-back, with a cross to match his defending abilities. Has he just stagnated since, or is it his fitness?


MIDFIELDERS

Udanta Singh

International Caps: 13

Club: Bengaluru FC

Livewire on the flanks, his pace will be key to India's expected counter-attacking style. Has added good finishing skills to complete the package.

Pronay Halder

International Caps: 11

Club: ATK

Revels in the role of midfield enforcer, especially for Constantine. Might end up being the busiest outfield player for India, given the competition.

Rowllin Borges

International Caps: 25

Club: NorthEast United

Seems to have rediscovered some mojo with NorthEast United this season. When on song, no better man to control the midfield for India.

Anirudh Thapa

International Caps: 10

Club: Chennaiyin FC

Speed, solidity as well as work rate -- all attributes you can never fault him over. Risks getting outmuscled by stronger opposition players, though.

Vinit Rai

International Caps: 6

Club: Delhi Dynamos

Capable of playing entire length of the game at full intensity, an ideal attribute for central midfield. Might not start too many games.

Halicharan Narzary

International Caps: 21

Club: Kerala Blasters

Can blow hot and cold, especially when inside the opposition half. Decent form, but composure in sight of goal remains his biggest challenge.

Ashique Kuruniyan

International Caps: 8

Club: Pune City FC

Easily the most improved player since India's qualification, he should see game time. Whether he starts or not could be down to strategy.

Germanpreet Singh

International Caps: 3

Club: Chennaiyin FC

Combative central midfielder, who does a good job of cleaning up without attracting too much attention. Recent club form has been indifferent, though.

Jackichand Singh

International Caps: 16

Club: FC Goa

Has been in good form with FC Goa. Can play the role of feeder to the strikers and fill in with goals himself.


FORWARDS

Sunil Chhetri

International Caps: 103

Club: Bengaluru FC

Leads the team in mind, body, soul and spirit. Still has the legs to challenge the best defences, but will need good supply.

Jeje Lalpekhlua

International Caps: 52

Club: Chennaiyin FC

Sharp dip in form notwithstanding, expect him to come good on big occasions. His intuitive relationship with Chhetri often wins India tight games.

Sumeet Passi

International Caps: 6

Club: Jamshedpur FC

A workhorse for the forward line, but hasn't scored enough goals for club and country to inspire confidence about a clear, focused role.

Balwant Singh

International Caps: 9

Club: ATK

Mature player who can operate on top as well as from the sides. His role in defending set-pieces will be an added bonus.