Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is now one of the leading players of the Indian squad, having represented the nation in 66 international matches and worn the captain’s armband in 10.

Speaking to All India Football Federation’s website, the custodian commented, “I feel happy whenever I look back and think that I am now a part of three AFC Asian Cups. It is a special tournament, probably the closest we can get to a World Cup atmosphere.” 

The India custodian, from his spot at the goal-line, has seen a massive transition take place in the Blue Tigers’ line-up, with the likes of Bhaichung Bhutia, Renedy Singh, Steven Dias, and Gouramangi Singh making way for the then younger lot, Sandesh Jinghan, Pritam Kotal, Subhasish Bose, and then further on to Anirudh Thapa and the rest. The latter lot are, however, quite the experienced bunch now, having already played in one Asian Cup (2019).

Gurpreet revealed, “It has been a massive transition, and a lot of players were on the verge of ending their careers back in 2011, and we had so many new guys come in.” I would say that we are still a majorly experienced side right now. Over the years, we have developed a lot, and the players are now hungrier than ever before and are educated in a professional environment in terms of football knowledge.”

Much like the 2011 edition, India are set to face Australia again in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, having been drawn in the same group (B), with Uzbekistan and Syria being the other two teams.

For Gurpreet, it is all about taking inspiration from a memorable performance by his former teammate Subrata Paul in 2011. “It was a dream to watch Subrata bhai fly around in goal, not letting Tim Cahill score that night. Tim was known for his headers, and Subrata bhai was brilliant, the way he just cancelled out those aerial balls, both crosses and shots,” said Gurpreet. “I wanted to be that, to do what he was doing, just living that moment he was playing. That’s what created the legend of the No. 1 spot in the national team.”

Commenting on the oppositions in their group the 30-year-old explained, “It is not an easy group to be in, but it’s where we should be. Australia is a World Cup side, and Uzbekistan and Syria have also done quite well. But we should not think too low of ourselves. We’re also here on merit, and we will do our best to make the most of it.”