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With the advent of the Indian Super League, several big names graced the Indian shores and Michael Chopra was one of them. The former Newcastle United, Cardiff City, Sunderland striker with more than 55 appearances in the Premier League became the first Player of India Origin to play in the ISL.
Despite a string of underwhelming performances for Kerala Blasters, there was growing clamor for him to be included in Indian National team.
In fact, there has been a long-standing demand to include Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) in the National team setup but the government’s reticence on the issue has poured cold water on that.
The Indian origin striker was still 30, when came to India in 2014, and had a few good years left him.
Having scored close to 100 goals in English football with the likes of Newcastle United, Sunderland and Cardiff City, Chopra had brought with himself not only loads of experience but also a sense of belongingness with the Indian audience because of his Indian parentage.
Poor fitness levels and injuries marred his stint in India. He eventually brought down the curtains to his playing career.
Let’s look at 5 other Players of India Origin who can play in the future editions of the Indian Super League.
#1 Sarpreet Singh - New Zealand
After his breakthrough season with Wellington Pheonix in the Australian A-League, the talented midfielder earned his first senior national team call-up for a friendly match against Canada. He became the first footballer of Indian origin to have played for the New Zealand football team.
His performances in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup caught the attention of many, and with good reason.
An attacking midfielder by trade, his natural passing ability, and his desire to positively affect play in the midfield makes a player to watch out for the future. At just 19, the young midfielder has a long journey ahead and hopefully, ISL becomes a pit stop in this journey.
#2 Harmeet Singh - Norway
The Norwegian International of Indian origin started off his career with Valerenga in Norway, spending five seasons with the club’s senior squad. His performances caught the attention Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord. Lack of first team opportunities cut short his stint at Feyenoord and he moved back to Norway with Molde.
Following that, Harmeet had stints in Poland and Sweden with Wisla Plock and Kalmar FF respectively.
He currently plays in the Norwegian Elitserian side Sarpsborg 08.
The defensive midfielder also has seven caps to his name for the Norwegian national team. At 27, and still at the peak of his footballing abilities, Harmeet can be a valuable addition to the Indian Super League.
#3 Rhys Williams - Australia
The Australian International of Indian origin has spent the majority of his professional career in the English second division with the likes of Middleborough, Burnley, and Charlton.
Following that, he spent a couple of seasons in the Australian A-League with Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.
He now plays for Al- Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League. The versatile defender has also represented Australia on 14 occasions.
Rhys’s younger brother Aryn Williams who currently plays for Neroca FC in the Indian I-League said, “One day, I hope folks back home won’t have to catch separate games and that the three brothers will play for the same team, lining up side by side.”
Rhys would be a smart acquisition for any ISL team. His experience, versatility, and calibre will be invaluable.
#4 Danny Batth - England
While most developing football nations would bend over backward to accommodate a player of his caliber at international level, India has turned its back on his expertise.
The 27-year-old central defender expressed his burning ambition to play for India but residency regulations thwarted that attempt.
Danny Batth started his youth career with Wolverhampton Wanderers and has stayed with them ever since, captaining both the youth and the senior side.
In 2017-18, Wolves secured promotion to the Premier League and Danny was a key part of that campaign.
Danny has since moved to Championship side Middleborough after becoming surplus to requirements at Wolves. He might want to give a couple of years before contemplating a move to India. And it's safe to say that there won't be a shortage of suitors for the former Wolves captain.
#5 Luther Singh - South Africa
Another Indian origin player that could feature in the Indian Super League, Luther started his career with Swedish second division side GAIS. Following that, he signed for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Braga. He now plays in the club’s B team in LigaPro.
“Aside from technical ability, he has the uncanny ability to use both feet and is strong and quick- all the attributes the modern game demands”, according to Braga coach, João Aroso.
The 21-year-old forward has already represented South Africa on three occasions. ISL clubs should keep close tabs on this highly rated striker.
