In the heart of Doha, amidst the promising atmosphere of the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, history unfolded as India’s rising star, Deepak Tangri, embraced his maiden international senior-level appearance in a challenging clash against Australia. The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 marked a pivotal moment for Tangri, who found himself thrust into the spotlight against the formidable Aussies.
As the countdown to kick-off began, the air in Doha offered a touch of cool breeze, setting the stage for a momentous showdown. Tangri, warming up on the pitch, would soon experience the figurative chills as his name echoed through the stadium’s PA system, signaling his initiation into the high-stakes world of international football.
Reflecting on the unforgettable experience, Tangri shared his sentiments with the-aiff.com, saying, “It was an amazing feeling to step out on the pitch with everyone cheering. I saw so many Indian flags, and for a moment, I thought maybe I was back home. It was a different feeling. It was an amazing feeling.”
The journey leading to Tangri’s debut had been marked by determination and gradual progress. Despite previous call-ups to National Team camps, the coveted spot in tournament squads had eluded him until the AFC Asian Cup. Tangri’s mindset, focused on continuous improvement, was evident in his approach. “I just wanted to train and improve every day, and give my best,” he stated.
Also Read: Stimac Disappointed: Sahal’s Injury Shadows India’s AFC Asian Cup
The unexpected opportunity to start against Australia came as a surprise for Tangri, who had envisioned a more gradual ascent. “I thought maybe if I work hard and keep improving, I’ll get in as a substitute and then in the starting XI later but did not think of this,” he confessed.
In a commendable display of resilience, India fought valiantly but succumbed to a 0-2 defeat against Australia. Tangri, however, stood tall during his 86 minutes on the pitch, making 13 possession recoveries, six interceptions, winning seven duels, and maintaining an impressive passing accuracy of 82 percent.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the formidable opponent, Tangri remarked, “We fought hard to maintain our shape and hold our ground against Australia. But in the end, they are such a good side that they will punish the smallest of mistakes, and that’s what happened. We just have to keep our heads down and keep pushing for the next game.”
Also Read: Australia Triumphs 2-0 Over India in AFC Asian Cup 2023 Clash
Despite his stellar performance, Tangri’s father, a humble clothes merchant in Bilga, Punjab, chose not to watch the game due to nerves. Tangri, with a smile, shared, “My father never watches me play. He gets too nervous. I spoke to him after the game, and my mother had told him all about it by then. They were both so happy that I played for India, for the first time.”
Having garnered experience at the junior level, Tangri credits the guidance of senior players like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, and others for his seamless transition to the senior squad. “We get to learn so much from these guys. Chhetri bhai tells us how to react to different game situations. Sandesh paji is a straight-talker. He tells us our mistakes for what they are, and shows us how not to make them,” Tangri emphasized.
In conclusion, Deepak Tangri’s baptism by fire in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 showcased not only his individual prowess on the field but also the collective spirit of the Indian football team as they navigate the challenges of the prestigious tournament. The promising debutant’s journey is undoubtedly one to watch, as he continues to make strides in representing the Blue Tigers on the international stage.