Asian Cup 2019: All you need to know about India's 23 players

Defenders

#4 Pritam Kotal

Kotal's offensive contributions remain his best strength

Pritam Kotal has been Constantine's No.1 right back right from his national team debut in 2015.

The 25-year old, who recently secured a transfer from Delhi Dynamos FC to ATK in the ISL, has better performances in the national team jersey.

Pritam Kotal comes with adequate experience by playing 28 matches for India. Kotal's offensive contributions remain his best strength. However, the wing back leaves too much space open, when attacking up front.

#5 Sarthak Golui

Golui will be a perfect understudy to Kotal

Sarthak Golui will be a perfect replacement for Pritam Kotal's right back position. The young FC Pune City defender has made six appearances for the club this season and fared well.

Golui hasn't made any senior team starting at the national level. The 21-year old has good pace and strength for a wing back but will not be the best option for a regular starter at the Asian Cup as he lacks international exposure.

#6 Sandesh Jhingan

Jhingan has played 27 matches and will continue to be one of the key players in the team

Sandesh Jhingan will be leading the defence for India as usual. The centre-back offering services for Kerala Blasters FC in ISL has made 12 appearances this season and remained one of their best performers despite the team's poor performance.

For India, Jhingan has played 27 matches and will continue to be one of the key players in the team. The 25-year old is known for his level of commitment on field. However, the Punjab-born is also known for his untimely tackles.

#7 Anas Edathodika

The 31-year old has good control of the area he defends, winning possession and clearing the balls

The Blasters centre-back duo will be replicated at the national team too as Anas joins Jhingan in the national team colours.

Anas Edathodika has played five club matches this season for Blasters. With 13 international caps, the Kerala defender back will be the first choice for Constantine. The 31-year old has good control of the area he defends, winning possession and clearing the balls. But, Anas' quickness and injury concerns remain a worry for the gaffer.

#8 Salam Ranjan Singh

Salam will provide cover for Anas and Jhingan

Salam Ranjan Singh is the only player from I-League who has made it to the national squad. The centre-back will be a backup option for Jhingan and Anas. Anas was known to be regaining his fitness and if a concern occurs, Salam will be sent in. The East Bengal center back has however featured for his club just twice this season. Salam Singh has the good physique for a centre-back but will have a disadvantage of playing time with the club.

#9 Subhasish Bose

His strength lies in his capability to switch between positions, as a wingback and

centre-back

Subshasish Bose would be another strong name in the Indian defence lineup. He will have to surpass Narayan Das if Bose is to be deployed as his usual position.

With nine appearances for the national team, the 23-year old has been a promising name for the Blue Tigers. At Mumbai City FC too, the Kolkata-based player has been impressing with his defensive and offensive duties.

His strength lies in his capability to switch between positions, as a wingback and centre back. However, Bose's pace wouldn't be sufficient to mark the quick threats against India.

#10 Narayan Das

Das' experience will be an advantage to the

defence

while facing stronger teams in the Cup

Narayan Das will be the favourite to start at the left-back position. The 25-year old has been at the position for the national team for sometime now as he has appeared in 28 matches for the same.

In ISL, he dons the colours of Delhi Dynamos FC and has played 11 matches this season. Das' experience will be an advantage to the defence while facing stronger teams in the Cup. However, the wing back too is slow and weak built on the field.