Soumo Ghosh

AIFF Media Team

HYDERABAD: The Intercontinental Cup 2024 marked a new chapter, not only in Indian football but also for Blue Tigers defender Rahul Bheke, who was handed the captain’s armband for their match against Mauritius.

While it was a special moment for the India centre-back, Bheke has his sights firmly set on the objectives set by the coaching staff.

“From the first meeting itself, the coach told us about the main goal, which is in March – the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers,” said Bheke. “We have to reach there with a clear mind of what we must do and execute it. He told us that through the September, October, and November FIFA International Windows, the coaches would keep feeding us information, which ultimately needs to reflect on what we do on the pitch in March.

“The good thing is that all the boys are soaking in the information, and hopefully we will be fully prepared when March comes.”

While qualifying for the Asian Cup is one of the Blue Tigers' key targets, the actual objective goes far beyond it.

“We’ve built a good base by qualifying for the last two Asian Cups, something that India have never done before. The coaches have made it clear to us that in order to ensure progress, we as a team need to negotiate the group stage through to the knockout rounds,” said Bheke.

While the long-term objectives remain fixed, the Blue Tigers, for now, look to register improvements in every match—their next challenge is the one against Syria on Monday, September 9, 2024.

“It’s a must-win match for us. We are the ones playing on home soil, and our target is to win this game,” said Bheke. “We’ve done some good things in the last match, and we must now ensure that we continue to do the same while further improving in other areas.

“Yes, for all intents and purposes, it is a FIFA International Window, and not as much like a tournament, but if we win it, there’s still a medal waiting at the end,” he said. “We need to win, but we must also get better every game.”

For Bheke, who made his debut in 2019, being handed the captain’s armband was more a matter of responsibility, one he was eager to take on.

“The coach informed me about it the previous day in training, and I was really happy. Couldn’t wait for the moment. I did not want to lose focus, especially with such a big responsibility on my shoulders, so I did not tell anybody. Be it my family, or anybody here,” said Bheke.

“When the coach finally handed me the captain’s armband before the match in the dressing room, it was more a sense of responsibility than happiness,” he said. “It was an honour to lead the team.”

India have scored two goals in the eight matches that they have played in 2024 so far. With India’s former captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri having hung up his boots, questions have risen as to who will take up the mantle of the scorer-in-chief.

Bheke believes that it is more a matter of the team, rather than any individual, working together to fill in the boots.

“It’s important to score, but it’s not just on the strikers. The midfielders, and defenders also play a vital part in attack. Strikers may not be able to score in every match, and that is when defenders like Anwar (Ali), Mehtab (Singh), Sana (Chinglensana Singh), and myself can take some responsibility in set-pieces and help the team out,” said Bheke.

“Those are big boots to fill in, for Sunil Chhetri, but if we all work together as a team, we can do it.” India’s match against Syria will kick off at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 7.30 pm IST, and will be broadcast live on Sports 18 3, and streamed live on Jio Cinema.