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Defenders- Gouramangi Singh
Gouramangi Singh initially started his career as a midfielder before Bob Houghton transformed him as a defender because the Indian team needed a tall player in the back-four. The Manipuri legend started all the games for India but his tricks were futile against the quality oppositions.
The 32-year-old played for NEROCA in the 2017-18 I-League, guiding them to a second-place finish. However, he hasn't penned the deal with any side this season.
Defenders- Deepak Mondal
Deepak Mondal was the most versatile defender in the Indian team as he could play in all the four positions. The former Arjuna awardee played as a left-back in the tournament but proved to be ineffective against the stronger oppositions.
The 39-year-old played for Food Corporation of Indian in the 2018 Calcutta Football League mainly as a mentor to the young and rising footballers. He also has an AFC D License and is looking forward to starting his coaching career in India.
Defenders- Mahesh Gawli
The duo of Mahesh Gawli and Deepak Mondal in the heart of the defence was a nightmare for the oppositions in the early 2000s. However, age wore them out and, Gouramangi Singh and Anwar Ali replaced them as centre-backs in the senior team. While Deepak Mondal slotted into the left back position, Gawli couldn't play a single minute of football in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
Mahesh Gawli is one of the chief trainers of the Tata Sons U-Dream project. With the aim of aiding them in their dream of playing professional football across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the project works with boys in the age-group of 12-14 in India.
Defenders- Surkumar Singh
Surkumar Singh won the AIFF Player of the Year in 2006 and was an integral part of the national team setup. Known for his brilliant overlapping tendencies, Surkumar had to resort to his defensive duties while playing for India as a right back in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in all the three matches.
The 35-year-old last played professional football for United Sikkim in the 2014 I-League 2nd Division in their 0-3 loss to Kalighat Milan Sangha.
