The vibrant colors of yellow and green have landed in Kolkata as Brazil arrives in the city. With Carlo Ancelotti in attendance, Salt Lake Stadium is gearing up for one of India’s most anticipated football events by Saturday evening.
Among the excited faces will be Vikash Dhorasoo, a former France international who played in the 2006 World Cup. However, as Kolkata buzzes with the excitement of seeing players like Vinicius Junior and Endrick, Dhorasoo wants everyone to think beyond just this one match. He believes that the clash between India and Brazil should inspire Indian football to aim higher and dream bigger.
Dhorasoo, who has Indian heritage, argues that India needs to broaden its talent pool by giving more players opportunities to play abroad and, crucially, to commit to a long-term development plan. “Every match plays a role, helping you progress,” he stated. “While it’s amazing to play against the top team in the world, we must not overlook the importance of local football.”
### A BRIGHT NEW FACE
An encouraging example from India’s current squad is Ryan Williams, who was born in Australia but chose to represent India on the international stage. After making an impressive start to his career with India, scoring on his debut and again in a recent match against Panama, Williams is emerging as a key player just as the team prepares to face Brazil. FIFA has already approved his switch, allowing him to bring his talents to India.
While it’s just two goals so far, Williams’ performance has sparked hope in a team that is still seeking a reliable scorer following Sunil Chhetri’s retirement. His journey underscores Dhorasoo’s belief that India should pay more attention to players from the Indian diaspora.
“I could have played for India if such options existed back then,” Dhorasoo reflected. He also pointed out other players like DR Congo international Samuel Moutoussamy, who could potentially join the Indian football conversation. However, having Indian ancestry alone doesn’t automatically make someone eligible to play for India, as they must also satisfy FIFA’s eligibility rules and citizenship criteria.
For Dhorasoo, the first step is establishing a pathway that encourages these players to consider joining forces with India. “We need to create opportunities to engage them and present a compelling vision for the future of Indian football,” he said.
### BEYOND JUST A MATCH
With Brazil now in Kolkata, the context of this matchup gains significance. India currently holds the 138th spot in FIFA’s rankings, a stark contrast to Brazil’s position among the world’s best teams. This match isn’t just about winning or losing; it’s more about challenging India’s players against a level of competition that is uncommon for them.
India’s run of friendly matches started with a 1-1 draw against Panama, where Williams made an impact. Following Brazil, they will face Uruguay—all important encounters that can provide invaluable experience. Dhorasoo emphasizes the need for players to fully embrace these moments. “They must enjoy it and strive to perform their best,” he said, highlighting that the true value lies in the experiences gained.
However, for that experience to lead to growth, Dhorasoo argues that Indian players require more international exposure. He pointed to Japan’s successful strategy of sending players abroad over the past thirty years, resulting in a strong presence in European leagues. “Now, many Japanese players are thriving in leagues such as the Bundesliga, Premier League, and La Liga,” he noted, emphasizing how this has significantly advanced Japanese football.
### A LONG-TERM VISION
Dhorasoo’s ambitions stretch far beyond this weekend’s match. He envisions India establishing a clear identity for its football and committing to a comprehensive youth development, coaching, and grassroots approach. “India must first determine the direction it wishes to take in football,” he explained, adding that these principles should start at the youth level and extend to coaching strategies.
Dhorasoo believes that meaningful change won’t happen overnight. He anticipates a long-term project that could span ten to fifteen years. “We need to start with our youth players,” he said.
Thus, Saturday’s game becomes more than just a friendly; it’s a crucial stepping stone. As Dhorasoo prepares to watch India face off against Brazil on October 3, the most critical question may not be the match’s outcome but what lessons India will take away from this experience.
