It will be second consecutive Asian Cup for Subhasish Bose. The defender was one of the senior national team members in the previous edition of Asian Cup in 2019. Indian team was knocked out of the competition after conceding two defeats in their group. 

But Bose believes the setback has helped them to gain maturity. Speaking to The AIFF’s website, the 28-year-old defender said, “Every setback is an opportunity to learn, and those of us here today have experienced that, and are helping the younger lot with that knowledge.” 

Bose feels that they have an advantage this time as most of the present national team members played enough international matches before the Asian Cup. So they are expected to realize the importance of this competition and will be able to deliver the best.

The Blue Tigers enjoyed a rapturous welcome at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, where they were greeted by the Indians living in Qatar. With the stands expected to be brimming with Indian fans, Bose asserts it will be a major advantage for them in the tournament. 

India have been drawn in Group B of the AFC Asian Cup, against Australia (January 13), Uzbekistan (January 18), and Syria (January 23).