Remembering India’s Asian Cup 2011 campaign: The diligent Syed Rahim Nabi

It is always very difficult to find consistent Indian players because of the dominance of foreigners in the I-League, but if there is one player who hardly has a bad game for club and country, then it is Syed Rahim Nabi.

Nabi’s consistency and versatility were the qualities that ensured him a place in the India team during Bob Houghton’s tenure. Although the English coach was often criticised by the local media in Bengal for picking very few Bengali players, the inclusion of Nabi did silent some of those critics.

In the lead up to the Asian Cup, Nabi would be used in different positions, but usually on the left side of midfield. And that is where Nabi played the opening game against Australia and provided great protection for the ageing Deepak Mondal, who was operating at left back.

There was some official proof about Nabi’s immense work rate when statistics revealed that he covered the maximum distance among the Indian players. Football viewers in India often get an idea of how much distance players cover every game in the Champions League and the big European leagues.

But such insights are not provided while following Indian football. However, during the telecast of the Asian Cup 2011, such numbers were revealed and it showed that Nabi covered nearly 7.5 km against Australia.

When being informed about this statistic, Nabi reacted saying: “Really? It’s unbelievable, I just try to give my best for my country.”

It is such modesty that makes Nabi a fan favourite, but it’s his ability to play in almost every position that makes him a coach’s dream too.

He played at left back in the second game against Bahrain and started there against South Korea in the final group match too, but an injury to Renedy Singh saw him move to the left midfield role again.

“I am ready to play in any position. That’s what modern football is all about,” Nabi, who is indispensable to the India team now under Wim Koevermans, once said.

“The good thing about Nabi is his versatility. If you are in a situation when Bhaichung is not quite sure of playing, then Nabi gives you the option of a full frontline player. We started our Asian Cup preparations with six possible left-backs. Nabi is the last one standing. He is one of those boys who does his best, does a lot of running and does the job for you,” Houghton was quoted as saying after the end of India’s Asian Cup campaign.

Nabi’s selfless display in Qatar stood out and despite becoming a star, his nature hasn’t changed both on and off the pitch.

Last year, he was crowned AIFF Player of the Year, an award he probably should have received in 2011 itself, and the 27-year-old should soon be seriously considered for the Arjuna Award, an accolade he craves for too.