Vishal Kaith has been instrumental for Mohun Bagan in their recent Durand Cup triumphs, particularly in their last two matches. Both the quarter-final and semi-final encounters went down to penalty shootouts, and it was Kaith’s heroics that ensured the Mariners’ passage to the final. This isn’t the first time Kaith has proven his worth on the big stage.
In the ISL 2022-23 semi-final against Hyderabad FC, Kaith’s remarkable performance was pivotal in securing Mohun Bagan’s spot in the final. Despite his consistent displays, Kaith was recently overlooked for the Indian football team’s 26-man probable squad for the Tri-Nation Intercontinental Cup preparatory camp, a decision made by the new head coach, Manolo Marquez.
The squad was announced just days before Kaith’s outstanding performances in the Durand Cup, raising questions about the decision to exclude him. The Mariners’ semi-final victory against Bengaluru FC was particularly significant, as it pitted Kaith against India’s first-choice goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, in the penalty shootout. Sandhu, a key figure for the Blue Tigers, has a reputation for delivering in crucial moments, making Kaith’s triumph all the more impressive and sending a strong message to the selectors.
In the post-match press conference, Vishal Kaith emphasized his commitment to giving his best, whether playing for the national team or his club. His exclusion from the squad feels like a missed opportunity to capitalize on such a talented player.
The other two goalkeepers selected for the preparatory camp are Amrinder Singh of Odisha FC and Prabhsukhan Singh Gill of East Bengal FC. The Indian team is set to face Mauritius on September 3 and Syria on September 9 in their Tri-Nation Intercontinental Cup matches.
Indian Football Team 26-man Probable Squad for Tri-Nation Intercontinental Cup Preparatory Camp
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Roshan Singh Naorem, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Ashish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh.
Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Lalengmawia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Lalthathanga Khawlhring.
Forwards: Kiyan Nassiri Giri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco.