The Indian men's football team was once full of hope and ambition, but its FIFA ranking dropped from 100 in December 2023 to 127 in April 2025. Despite increased investments, growing fan interest, and the rise of the Indian Super League (ISL), the national team continues to struggle to improve its position in the global football landscape. This situation puzzles many, but underlying issues go beyond just the scores. Former Indian footballer Mehtab Hossain also shared his views on what has gone wrong in the last few years in a freewheeling chat with Sports Now.

Weak Grassroots and Training Infrastructure

A successful football country has a strong grassroots system. Sadly, India's system faces issues such as a lack of scouting, limited access to quality academies, and low-quality coaching for young players. Many young athletes lack basic facilities, like proper equipment and regular competition. While the AIFF's grassroots program and club academies show promise, they remain scattered and often out of reach for rural and underprivileged talent.

India's coaching has improved thanks to foreign staff and AIFF licensing programs. However, Indian coaches still fall short of global standards. Tactical innovation, data-driven training, and individualised player development are rare in most local setups. Pointing out towards the lack of continuity at the national level, Mehtab said, "See, there have been so many changes in terms of coaches. First, when I was playing, there was Bob Houghton. Then came Wim Koevermans (2012–2015), Stephen Constantine, Igor Stimac (2019-2024), and Manolo Marquez. So, the philosophy keeps changing every few years. No matter how hard we try, it becomes very difficult if we don't create a fixed model." This revolving door of tactical systems has meant that players are often stuck adapting rather than developing.

"There might be a few miracles here and there. For example, we won the Nehru Cup after defeating Cameroon. But it was a one-off. It won't happen every time," he added.

The ISL has raised the profile of Indian football, but its short season, limited promotion and relegation, and heavy reliance on foreign players restrict the development of local talent. The I-League, while historically significant, suffers from low visibility and poor management. Without a competitive and consistent league, Indian players miss out on high-pressure match experience, which is crucial for international readiness.

In the last year, India has played only a few matches against teams ranked significantly lower or slightly higher. These games do not prepare the team for elite competition. India needs more high-level friendlies, top-tier tournaments, and overseas training camps to improve pace, technique, and adaptability. Competing against better teams is crucial for development. Since mid-2023, the national team has struggled to achieve consistent results. In recent tournaments and qualifiers, the team looks tactically confused and lacks solid team chemistry. There is no clear vision for football, from youth to senior levels. Players often appear unsure of their roles, and long-term planning takes a backseat to quick fixes.

India's golden era in football, during the 1960s and 70s, saw the nation dominate the Asian stage. However, Mehtab believes the system has regressed in terms of professionalism. "In the '60s and '70s, we were a superior side. Since then, we have only gone behind. We claim to be professionals, but we don't work that way. Today, we have money and academies, but there is no model in place. Maybe we can take a leaf out of countries like Japan and have a fixed roadmap," sighed Mehtab.

Added to that are the serious concerns over the leadership of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) by its president, Kalyan Chaubey. Multiple controversies surrounded Chaubey's tenure, including allegations of corruption and controversial decisions that have not benefited Indian football in any way. "We've never had such negative publicity before that has happened under Kalyan," former India legend Bhaichung Bhutia had said.

From decisions, such as relocating the Santosh Trophy to Saudi Arabia, to Chaubey's controversial comments about North East Indian players, who he claimed were not tall enough, several incidents have tarnished the federation's credibility. "He's already ruined the Football Federation, and now he's trying to damage the Indian Olympic Association as well," Bhutia had noted.

Mehtab also believes physical development and sports science support are severely lacking in India. Stressing the need for early-stage development, he said, "Coaching needs to start from a very young age—6 to 14. These kids not only need to be taught about the game but also need to focus on sports science, nutrition, and fitness."

"Our food habits and muscle power need to be much more focused on. Since many of our players come from mediocre backgrounds, they need a lot more focus on nutrition. Else, the road is tough ahead." He pointed out that, unlike African nations, India lacks natural muscle power, which is crucial for sustaining itself on the international stage.

"As long as there is no sports science, it's challenging to develop. For example, like the Africans, we don't have much muscle power. We have the technique. But then, many players with technique don't have the muscle power, and hence, they come up short against bigger and better teams. But I do see the light at the end of the tunnel," he concluded.

Modern football requires more than skill; it demands composure, tactical intelligence, and mental toughness. Indian players often struggle in high-stakes situations, such as in Asian Cup qualifiers or SAFF finals. The lack of full-time sports psychologists and performance coaches is a significant issue. Without the mental strength to handle pressure, technical training alone will not be enough.

India's drop from a double-digit FIFA ranking to 127 is not just a slump; it shows that the system needs to fix its core issues. Although fan support and investment have increased, Indian football's technical foundation remains weak. To change this, the AIFF, clubs, government, and other stakeholders must commit to long-term reforms. This should start with improving grassroots programs, coaching tactics, domestic competition, mental training, and international exposure. Indian football has talent. What it needs is a better structure, a clear vision, and the courage to rebuild from the ground up.

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