Gostha pal

AFC Asian Cup: Big, burly, and snarling. That is how most people expect centre-backs to be. However, the position itself requires someone with a much more nuanced understanding of the game and its tactics.

India has always produced quality centre-backs at the Asian level, be it the likes of Gostha Pal in the pre-independence era in the two-back system, or Jarnail Singh in the golden years, followed by the likes of Syed Nayeemuddin. Carrying on the tradition is current India defender Sandesh Jhingan, who debuted for India in 2015 and has since gone on to represent India in 60 international matches, donning the captain’s armband on seven occasions.

While his partners at the heart of the Indian defence have changed over the years – starting with Arnab Mondal, Anas Edathodika, Adil Khan, and then on to the modern era with Anwar Ali and Rahul Bheke – Jhingan has remained the one constant.