The Indian football team is gearing up for the Hero Tri-Nation Series 2023 that will be taking place in Imphal, Manipur.
It is the first time that Manipur will be hosting an international game which features India and it is a historic moment for the state.
Notably, Manipur is considered as one of the hotbeds of Indian football. Football runs in the veins of the Manipuri people.
In the present Indian football team, there are 7 players from the state of Manipur.
After the successful completion of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23, several Indian players came in the radar of the national team.
The likes of Pritam Kotal, Sivasakthi Narayanan and Naorem Mahesh Singh have earned their India call-ups after a good ISL 2022-23 season.
In this article, we take a look at 3 Indian players to watch out for in the Hero Tri-Nation Series 2023:
1. Naorem Mahesh Singh
Naorem Mahesh Singh impressed one and all with his footballing prowess at East Bengal FC.
The winger regularly whipped in some inch-perfect crosses and was one of the go-to men of Head Coach Stephen Constantine.
The 24-year-old netted 2 goals and executed 7 assists in ISL 2022-23 and therefore deservedly earned his maiden India call-up.
It will be interesting to see as to how the winger performs for the Blue Tigers.
2. Pritam Kotal
Pritam Kotal was one of the rock-solid defenders in ISL 2022-23.
The skipper of ATK Mohun Bagan, Kotal marshalled his troops really well with a calm and composed mind and made sure his team wins the ISL 2022-23.
Kotal is a veteran in the Indian team and has played 47 games for the Blue Tigers, having made his debut way back in 2015.
His defensive abilities will be key for the Indian team in the Hero Tri-Nation Series 2023.
3. Sunil Chhetri
One of the best players of our generation, a lot of eyes will be Sunil Chhetri.
The talismanic striker of India is also the leading goal-scorer of India of all-time.
Chhetri is well known for his astute football mind, link-up play and his exceptional leadership abilities.
The 38-year-old has so far scored 84 goals for India in 131 games and would be hoping to net a few more goals before calling it quits from international football.
After a barren run in the initial games of ISL 2022-23, Chhetri staged a good comeback and scored 4 goals in the entire tournament.
He will be one of the key players of India in the Hero Tri-Nation Series 2023.
Also read: Hero Tri-Nation Series: When & Where To Watch India vs Myanmar, Predicted Playing XI, Time, Venue
