India’s journey in International football has been long, and at times tumultuous. While there have been flashes of brilliance—most notably during the “Golden Era” in the 1950s and 1960s under legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim—the Indian national team has struggled to consistently perform at the highest level in modern times.
A major point of discussion in recent years has been the role of coaching and whether a foreign coach truly understands the Indian football ecosystem. Given the current needs of Indian football, a strong, experienced Indian coach like Sanjoy Sen or Khalid Jamil could be the right step forward to maximize the potential of local talent and take Indian football to new heights.
The Case for an Indian Coach
Cultural Understanding and Local Insight:
One of the most significant advantages of having an Indian coach is their deep understanding of the country’s diverse cultural landscape. India is not just a large country in terms of geography, but also in terms of diversity—linguistic, ethnic, and socio-economic. Coaches like Sanjoy Sen and Khalid Jamil, who have spent their entire coaching careers within the domestic system, have a nuanced understanding of the mindset, strengths, and challenges faced by Indian players.
Foreign coaches often struggle to bridge the cultural gap, which can lead to communication breakdowns, motivational issues, and tactical misunderstandings. Indian coaches, on the other hand, are better equipped to connect with players on a personal and emotional level, which can significantly boost team morale and performance.
Familiarity with Domestic Talent:
Both Sanjoy Sen and Khalid Jamil have worked extensively in the I-League and Indian Super League (ISL), coaching a wide variety of players—from raw talents in their teens to seasoned veterans. Their firsthand knowledge of the domestic circuit allows them to identify and nurture players who may not always catch the eye of foreign coaches. For instance, many young talents in the I-League often go unnoticed due to the focus on marquee signings in the ISL.
Sen and Jamil have a proven track record of developing lesser-known players into formidable professionals. An Indian coach at the national level would be more likely to scout deeply and build a team with greater depth and balance.
The Success Stories of Sanjoy Sen and Khalid Jamil:
Sanjoy Sen: A Calm, Tactical Mastermind:
Sanjoy Sen is one of the most respected figures in Indian coaching circles. Best known for guiding Mohun Bagan to their first I-League title in over a decade in the 2014–15 season, Sen has consistently demonstrated his tactical astuteness and leadership.
Under his guidance, Mohun Bagan became known for a disciplined style of play, blending Indian youth with experienced players and foreigners. He was able to extract the best out of players like Jeje Lalpekhlua, Sony Norde, and Katsumi Yusa. Importantly, he emphasized structured defending and quick transitions, which are critical in international competitions.
Sen also led Mohun Bagan to a historic win over Tampines Rovers in the AFC Cup, showcasing his ability to succeed at a continental level. His experience with pressure, large crowds, and high expectations makes him an ideal candidate to take charge of the national team.
Khalid Jamil: The People’s Coach:
Khalid Jamil holds the unique distinction of being the first Indian coach to take a team to the ISL playoffs and final, doing so with NorthEast United FC and later playing a crucial role with Bengaluru FC and East Bengal. Known for his passionate style, work ethic, and man-management skills, Jamil brings a different kind of energy to the dressing room.
He is known to inspire players with his intense motivational style and personal approach. In his tenure with Aizawl FC, Jamil achieved what many thought was impossible—leading the small club to an I-League title in 2016–17. This achievement was particularly notable because it came with a squad that had a modest budget and limited resources.
Jamil has an uncanny ability to foster team spirit and get the best out of Indian players. His success is a testament to what can be achieved when a coach understands his players deeply and builds a strategy around their strengths.
Limitations of Foreign Coaches in Indian Football:
India has hired a number of foreign coaches in the past two decades, including Stephen Constantine, Igor Štimac, Wim Koevermans, and Bob Houghton. While there have been some short bursts of success—such as qualifying for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup—the overall progress has been slow.
The challenges foreign coaches face include:
Communication Barriers: Language and cultural differences often make it difficult for players to absorb tactical instructions or express concerns.
Short-Term Stints: Many foreign coaches treat the Indian job as a stepping stone, leading to short tenures and lack of long-term planning.
Lack of Grassroots Involvement: Foreign coaches rarely engage with youth development in India, focusing only on the senior team.
Over-Reliance on Naturalized or Overseas Players: There is a tendency to prioritize players of Indian origin playing abroad over local talent, which can demoralize homegrown players.
By contrast, Indian coaches have a vested interest in the development of the national ecosystem, including youth academies, domestic leagues, and grassroots initiatives.
Building a Sustainable Footballing Ecosystem:
Hiring a coach like Sanjoy Sen or Khalid Jamil is not just about the senior team. It’s about creating a culture of accountability, long-term planning, and domestic synergy. A strong Indian coach could work closely with AIFF (All India Football Federation) to:
Implement a cohesive style of play across age groups.
Coordinate with clubs to monitor player progress year-round.
Ensure more representation from underrepresented regions.
Bridge the gap between I-League and ISL talent pools.
Moreover, both Sen and Jamil understand the infrastructure constraints and grassroots challenges in India. They can tailor training methodologies to suit local conditions rather than replicating foreign models that may not work in India.
Creating a National Identity:
One of the biggest criticisms of Indian football is that it lacks a clear identity. Unlike teams like Japan (disciplined, technical) or Iran (physical, organized), India often changes its style depending on the coach’s background.
A long-term Indian coach can help build a recognizable identity rooted in the nation’s strengths—resilience, hard work, and growing technical ability. An Indian coach can also align the national team’s strategy with the playing styles of domestic clubs, creating a smoother transition for players entering the national setup.
Fan Engagement and National Pride:
The appointment of an Indian coach can also galvanize fan support. Football is a deeply emotional sport, and supporters take pride in seeing one of their own lead the national team. Just as cricket found its Indian leaders in Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, and now Rohit Sharma, football too needs an Indian at the helm to foster a deeper connection with fans.
A local coach with a reputation for integrity and passion—like Khalid Jamil or Sanjoy Sen—can become a symbol of Indian football’s self-reliance and ambition. This emotional connection could help rebuild trust among disillusioned fans and attract new supporters.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them:
Of course, appointing an Indian coach isn’t without challenges. Indian coaches often lack access to the same level of training, analytics, and exposure as their European counterparts. However, these gaps can be bridged by:
Providing exposure tours and internships abroad for Indian coaches.
Setting up a high-performance coaching hub in India.
Appointing a foreign technical advisor to assist rather than lead.
Investing in coaching licenses and advanced certifications.
With the right support system, Indian coaches can match the tactical sophistication of their foreign peers while bringing invaluable local expertise to the table.
The time has come for India to place its trust in its own coaching talent. Sanjoy Sen and Khalid Jamil are not just competent coaches—they are symbols of what Indian football can achieve with the right leadership. They understand the heartbeat of Indian football, have worked their way through the domestic ranks, and have proven themselves under pressure.
By appointing a strong Indian coach, India can build a team that is not only competitive on the pitch but also representative of the nation’s unique identity. It’s time to move away from dependency on foreign expertise and invest in homegrown leadership that can guide Indian football into a brighter, self-sufficient future.
