Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma has commended the Indian Super League (ISL) for playing a significant role in propelling the national football team’s progress on the international football scene.
Expressing his viewpoint during an event in Mumbai, the 36-year-old lauded the Indian football team’s confidence and anticipated their strong performance in the upcoming busy international football season.
According to Rohit, “They have taken a significant leap to reach their current position.” He emphasized that the ISL has greatly contributed to this achievement. Exposure plays a vital role, and Rohit drew parallels with cricket’s scenario, particularly the emergence of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that allowed local players to showcase their skills alongside international stars. He highlighted the similar positive impact of Indian leagues.
The Indian national football team has been making remarkable strides recently, securing victories in various multi-nation tournaments. This successful run began with their triumph in the Intercontinental Cup in Odisha in June, followed by a resounding victory in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) tournament in Bengaluru in July.
Looking ahead, under the leadership of Sunil Chhetri, the team aims to deliver impressive performances in the Asian Games and the AFC Asian Cup scheduled for early next year.
Rohit Sharma expressed his enthusiasm for witnessing the Indian team compete against top European sides in the future. He stated, “I would love for them to play against one of the top European teams and hold their ground. Whenever I watch them play, they exude confidence and possess considerable skills. It’s about gaining exposure. As they gain more experience by competing in Europe and other parts of the world, their performance will undoubtedly improve.”
The Indian national football team is set to participate in the King’s Cup in Thailand before the Asian Games in September-October. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma will lead the Men in Blue in the much-anticipated ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, scheduled from October 5 to November 19 in India.
The influence of the Indian Super League and the inspiring journey of the national football team continue to captivate attention and contribute to the growth of sports in India.
-IANS
