AFC Asian Cup 2019: The Indian-origin XI that could have represented India

Liverpool prospect Yan Dhanda (left) and Aryn Williams of NEROCA FC
Liverpool prospect Yan Dhanda (left) and Aryn Williams of NEROCA FC

#2 Left Back - Dylan Lall

Dylan Lall played for the youth teams of Brighton and Hove Albion
Dylan Lall played for the youth teams of Brighton and Hove Albion

Dylan Lall represented the youth teams of Brighton and Hove Albion in various tournaments like the FA Youth Cup. The 22-year-old, in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, had mentioned that it would be an honour and privilege to represent India but added that he hasn't given the thought of surrendering his British passport.

Both his grandparents' roots belong to India, which makes him eligible to represent the country according to FIFA rules.


#3 Centre-Back - Netan Sansara

Netan Sansara had played for the England U-17 and U-18 teams
Netan Sansara had played for the England U-17 and U-18 teams

Netan Sansara embarked his footballing career with League One side Walsall in 2008 and represented the youth teams of England thrice. Since then, the 1.84m tall centre-back has plied his trade in various clubs in Scotland, Norway, and Denmark.

Netan is currently with Swedish third-division side Gefle IF, where he has made 23 appearances and scored one goal. His father's, as well as his mother's, parents are from India which makes him eligible to represent India.

The 29-year-old had got an offer from an agent to join the national team for a camp in Qatar, but he refused, citing a busy schedule. However, he mentioned that he was ready to surrender his British passport if he thinks it is a right move to represent India.


#4 Centre-Back - Danny Batth

Danny Batth had captained Wolverhampton in the English Championship
Danny Batth had captained Wolverhampton in the English Championship

Danny Batth's father is from Punjab which makes him eligible to represent India. The 28-year-old is currently playing for English Championship side Middlesbrough on loan from Wolverhampton.

Batth had spoken to manager Stephen Constantine on the sidelines of a FIFA World Cup Qualifiers preparatory camp in Mumbai previously. The then Sports Minister Vijay Goel also held talks with the former Wolverhampton captain so that he could represent India. However, the negotiations broke down and Batth returned empty-handed.


#5 Right Back - Malvind Benning

Malvind Benning currently plays for Mansfield Town
Malvind Benning currently plays for Mansfield Town

Malvind Benning currently plays for League Two club Mansfield Town where he has scored 6 goals in 90 appearances despite being a defender since 2015. Stephen Constantine is well aware of the Indian roots of the 25-year-old, but strict government rules for citizenship means he will be unable to represent India.

Quick Links

Edited by Aravind Suchindran