Indian player ratings: India vs Kyrgyz Republic; Some shone through; An off-day for some

THREE POINTS IN THE BAG is job done for India in their first home game on the 2019 Asian Cup qualifier.

Although, the game had just one goal on the score sheet, there were chances for plenty more. It was a competitive game but it was the not the most ideal start for the hosts. The central Asian side applied pressure from the first half kickoff. Both sides were wasteful but India's keeper made more saves. We assess the Indian squad and rate them against their performance last night.

Jeje Lalpekhlua 6

Not the most effective being the target man up front, Jeje has an opportunity early on to cause on impact on the game but failed to get past the keeper. He even missed a clear 1-on-1 chance in the opening minutes of the second half. He has been consistently on the assist list in almost all of India's recent games. Last night, it was his assist again that lead to the goal. Apart from the assist, he did not threaten the Kyrgys defence a lot.

Holicharan Narzary 6

Narzary was started in the last game against Nepal and yesterday as well. He runs along the flank were good and sent in a couple of less accurate crosses in the box. In the first half he had a good chance when he got the ball in the box and but could only test the keeper. These are the chance he would need to score from to affirm his spot among the regulars in the national team.

Jackichand Singh 6

Picked over the injured Udanta on the right wing, Jackichand could have been much more effective from the right wing to prove his worth in that position. He did have a spark when he picked Chhetri close to the box from about 35 yards. He did not lack speed but bit more composure on decision-making. An early first half chance had him take too long deciding whether to cross the ball or go for a shot on goal and ended up doing neither.

Sandhesh Jhingan 6

Overall India's defence looked out of position and running helter-skelter when outnumbered. Jhingan, who has usually looked firm in India's recent games, let in a few through balls and had some mistimed tackles. Jhingan was poor at times in getting the ball to the midfield after gaining possession in his own box. It was his loose pass that led to the pressurised perceived back pass from Narzary.     

Pritam Kotal 5

Kotal on the right back position was mostly back tracking after being bypassed by the Kyrgys left winger. A lot of crosses played into the Indian box came in from his wing. Kotal, too, like Jhingan, was guilty of giving away the ball too cheaply to cause danger to his own defence.

Narayan Das 6

Das, for the most part was restricted to his position and confined only to his defensive duties as he was under pressure from the Kyrgys wingers. This made him do no overlaps along the left wing. Viktor had pressed Das to position but was still able to send a few dangerous balls in the box.

Rowllin Borges 5

Borges' inexperience showed in the game and the midfield took a hit because of that. His partnership with Lyngdoh was appearing to be the one shaping up well after the Myanmar game. But after his head injury in the last game against Nepal, he has been a bit shaky. He gave away the ball on many occasions leading to counter attacks.

Mohammed Rafique 6

Coming on in the second half for Borges, Rafique was fine in his play. He was sent in added fresh pair of legs to a already worked up midfield and did his job well.

Bikash Jairu 6

Jairu, a second half substitute, came in place of Jackichand for the last 15 minutes of the game. He got involved in the attack straight away and provided a pace-for-pace replacement for Jacki. Jairu gave his support with his run in every quick counters.

Robin Singh 4

A second half sub, Robin replaced Jeje. He was played an exquisite ball by the captain to seal the game for India in the injury time of the second half but the miss did not do justice to the quality of the pass. Robin had led with his elbow to the Kygrys keeper in a 50-50 ball. That could have been a card of any colour and may have changed the game.

Sunil Chhetri 9

The leader, the inspiration to the team had given all for side and was the most composed Indian player when Kyrgys had applied extreme pressure in the first half. He himself had two good opportunities, both in the second half, to get the upper hand over the stronger opponents but could not convert them. He got the goal to get the win and was involved in adding to the defending numbers as well. Chhetri, leading by example, was the best Indian on the field last night.

Gurpreet Sandhu 8

Playing in the Europa League, Sandhu, let his class known by pulling through some outstanding saves in the game to keep India in the game. Gurpreet was on his toes otherwise and made great saves diving low and in 1-one-1 situations. He did have trouble when he left his line to punch a few high balls. It caused a bit of a scare in the Indian defence. In the game against Nepal too there were a few nervous moments for the tall keeper.

Anas Edathodika 7

On another day, Anas usually has a calm day on the pitch. But yesterday Anas had to cover a lot of ground in order to keep the Kyrgys away from the box. Anas made some great body blocks to deny on-target shots by the opposition forwards. Both central defenders made up for the nervy Gurpreet's punches by rushing quickly to the goal line.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh 7 

In the center of the pitch, Lyngdoh and Borges marshaled the heart of the team. Lyngdoh's role is expected to be more attacking of the two central mids. Borges with his tall frame is known to contain the threat emanating from the middle. But Kyrgys, were a team that attacked not just from the middle by from all areas of the pitch. Thus Lyngdoh's role had become dual; containing the attacks and also winning possession to add to the attack. Lyngdoh made some hard tackles in the midfield but could not contribute that much in the attack.