Afghanistan vs India, FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier | 3 Key players for India 

Indian National team continue their journey in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers as they lock horns with Afghanistan on 14th November at the Central Republican Stadium in Tajikistan.

Igor Stimac will be put to a stern test away from home after the disappointing outing against Bangladesh last month. India are currently placed fourth in Group E with two points from three games. Although the Blue Tigers managed to hold Asian champions Qatar to a draw, the results against Oman and Bangladesh were not satisfactory. Anything less than a win against Afghanistan will downturn India's hopes of progressing to the next round.

The Croatian manager will be aware of the situation but will again be under pressure due to some key absentees. While Sandesh Jhingan has been ruled out with an injury, Anas Edathodika is known to return to India following family emergencies.

With a good bunch of players in the squad, Stimac will try to overcome the obstacles. Here, we look at three players who will have a key role in the gaffer's plans against Afghanistan.

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#3 Adil Khan

India's defence has been a headache for Stimac for some time now. The backline had finally formed shape against Qatar, winning a cleansheet under Sandesh Jhingan and Adil Khan. However, Sandesh was injured before the Bangladesh fixture and Stimac was forced to slot in Anas Edathodika. Since the ATK center-back too will be unavailable for this contest, the coach will have to look for a new face to partner Adil.

Adil has stood tall in the defence ever since his return to the national side after seven years. The Hyderabad FC player is sure to be in charge of the back-four against the Afghans. With his excellent physique, the 31-year old will be beneficial for India in dealing with aerial balls.

Adil will have to be unmoved at the centre-back position for India to showcase a clinical defensive performance. A lot will depend on the Goan-born player, who is expected to have young Narender Gahlot as his partner in defence.

Adil Khan will be a notable figure in the opposition box during set-pieces. He had scored India's game-saving equalizer against Bangladesh through a header.

#2 Sahal Abdul Samad

Sahal Abdul Samad has been a hot prospect in the Indian football circuit and the young lad has justified the same with his performances. The Kerala Blasters midfielder made his international debut in the Kings Cup earlier this year. He has since been a regular figure in the national setup and impressed during the draw against Qatar.

The 22-year old will have a good partner in midfield in the likes of Anirudh Thapa. If the two can combine well for India, there will be numerous balls going into the Afghanistan box.

Sahal has featured for Blasters in four games this season and assisted one goal. His excellent creativity and individual brilliance on the ball has been on display on multiple times for the ISL outfit.

If the youngster can continue his good form in the national team too, India might be able to open up some crucial goalscoring chances.

#1 Sunil Chhetri

There will be no doubt on who will be India's go-to-man in such a crucial fixture. Sunil Chhetri has always taken his country and club out of trouble in the past. Though Stimac wouldn't want to depend too much on the skipper, he will be the Croatian manager's first goalscoring choice.

The 35-year old was having a tough run in the ISL, not being able to score in Bengaluru FC's opening three games. However, Chhetri overcame his markers to get on the scoresheet hours before joining the national camp. This will be a boost to the national side and if the skipper is offered worthy balls, India shouldn't find it tough to score past against Afghanistan.

The opposition will be equally aware of the striker's abilities and will have proper plans to keep him at bay.

Chhetri's experience alone will be vital to guide the side in their FIFA World Cup Qualifier.