With a young squad, limited preparation and a strong Russian side standing in their way, India Women are ready to embrace the challenge in Kolkata.
Kolkata, October 7: There is no hiding from the numbers when India Women face Russia again. The previous meetings have not gone their way, and ahead of Thursday’s International Women’s Friendly at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, the Indian side will once again have to find a way against a physically strong and experienced opponent.
But this time, the story around the Indian team is slightly different.
Head coach Crispin Chhetri has brought together a young squad, with the average age around 23 and several players coming through the Under-20 setup. Monalisha, Nandini, Shivangi and Subangi are among the youngsters who have been given an opportunity during this camp, while players such as Linda and Marvika are also expected to have bigger roles.
India have been together since September 18, but the preparation has not been completely smooth. Some players could not be released by their clubs, with their commitments towards the AFC and Indian Women’s League taking priority outside the FIFA window. Crispin Chhetri admitted that the team could not get the full squad he wanted.
Still, rather than looking at what is missing, the coach sees an opportunity for those who are here.
“Nothing to lose for us but to show character and give our best for the country,” Crispin Chhetri said ahead of the match.
That perhaps sums up India’s approach better than anything else.
The result will matter, but for this young group, the match is also about showing whether the work done over the last 15-20 days can be carried onto the field. The head coach also wants the players to experience something beyond the tactical challenge of Russia, the pressure of playing in front of a Kolkata crowd.
For the youngsters, that could be another test altogether.
“Kolkata, as we know, is a Mecca of football,” Crispin said, pointing towards the expectations that come with playing in the city. He wants the players to learn how to handle the pressure of supporters and high expectations, while also competing with themselves to improve.
And he wants the stands to play their part. Crispin has urged Kolkata to come out in numbers and support the women’s team, saying it is time for the city to show that it cares about football irrespective of gender.
On the pitch, India will also have Renu back in the national-team setup after a year. The striker admitted that returning to the blue jersey feels good, particularly with a young group around her, and said she wants to make the opportunity count.
Russia, meanwhile, arrives in Kolkata with a different kind of preparation story.
The Russian team only arrived in India on Tuesday evening and will have limited time on the pitch before the first friendly. Their head coach admitted that the preparation has not worked out as planned, with the team coming into the matches in the middle of their domestic championship.
Yet Russia are not treating the trip lightly.
For them, these matches are part of a bigger journey back towards regular international football. The Russian coach Yuri Krasnozhan described the games as an important step towards returning to the international stage, while the players have also arrived with match fitness from their ongoing domestic season.
The Indian camp knows what Russia can bring.
Crispin was part of India’s setup when the two teams met previously, and he does not expect the past meeting to simply dictate Thursday’s contest. Only two or three players from that earlier Russian encounter remain in the current Indian group, making this a very different-looking India side.
The challenge, however, remains familiar. India has not had a positive result against Russia in their previous meetings. This time, with a younger squad, limited preparation and several players getting an opportunity to establish themselves, the Blue Tigresses have another chance to change the narrative.
For Crispin, it is less about comparing this team with the one that faced Russia before and more about seeing whether his players can take the next step. Tomorrow, at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, India will get another chance to do exactly that.
On matchday minus one, the Blue Tigresses held their final practice on Tuesday morning, while the Russian squad tested the grass at the venue for the first time and completed their training in the evening.
After the men’s team recently played three international friendlies with courage, it is now time for the women’s team to take centre stage. With a strong Russian side in front of them, the head coach has urged everyone to come out and support the Blue Tigresses at home, saying that “irrespective of gender”, everyone should come and back the women’s team.
India Women vs Russia Women | International Women’s Friendly
Venue: Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
Kick-off: 6:00 PM
Entry: Free for all
Read more about Indian Football
