SAFF Cup: Responsibility on Chhetri, Chhangte as India miss Robin Singh

Robin hurt his knee against Sri Lanka and needs rest.

New Delhi: India will hope the unavailability of Robin Singh will not hurt their chances in the SAFF Cup semi-final against Maldives. 

Singh who was instrumental for India against Sri Lanka, will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a knee injury. Manager Stephen Constanine has acknowledged the fact that they will miss Singh as the striker needs rest. 

Robin Singh had been in good form since the Indian Super League after registering some good performances for the Delhi Dynamos. He scored four goals in 12 matches. He was sublime against Sri Lanka after combining well with Sunil Chhetri and delivering the goods with a brace. 

His absence comes as a big blow and it also gives skipper Sunil Chhetri to be the focal point of the team and deliver accordingly. Chhetri has been outstanding for India all through his career and his experience will prove pivotal. The Bengaluru FC forward has been in good form in the tourney but will miss the combination against Robin. 

Indian football team's Lallianzuala Chhangte on Sunday had showed youngsters can set the stage on fire in big games.

The Mizoram born player scored a brace against Nepal in the SAFF Cup to see his side finish top in the Group A and clinch a berth in the semi-final.

Chhangte's presence hs given the side a lift and he can be someone India can look up to in the future. The teenage sensation will be eager to start this time as the striker and Chhetri could shift leftwards. Their understanding will be a key as it was evident against Nepal.

So India have an experienced campaigner and a teenage prodigy who can make the difference against Maldives.