The India team had to wait for four hours before they checked into their hotel rooms upon arrival in Dhaka on Tuesday. The inordinate delay meant players were left grinding their teeth, but coach Naushad Moosa smiled through the “difficult” times.“I was told by the coaching staff that we should expect more of such stuff, all being done to irritate the opponents,” Moosa told TOI over a phone call from Dhaka. “We are ready for all challenges that are thrown at us. Of course, it won’t be smooth, but during the training sessions I could see the hunger in the players. They are keen to succeed.”India are in Dhaka for the SAFF Championship where they are chasing a record-extending 10th football title. The defending champions are the highest ranked side at 138, but unlike in the past, they will not start as favourites. In fact, for their opening Group B fixture against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, India will be with just 17 players, two of them goalkeepers.According to sources, two of the players reported on the eve of the clash, midfielder Vibin Mohanan is injured and did not join the camp, while 10 others are busy with club engagements in the Indian Super League (ISL).India will also take the field after just two training sessions, one each in Kolkata and Dhaka. Pakistan, ranked 197, head into their opening match without a training session in Dhaka after their luggage remained stuck at Qatar airport.“We have watched Pakistan’s recent matches and know what to expect from them. Even with a limited number of players, we are a strong team. These players have been with me in the past, they know what I expect of them. I am sure they will deliver. Against Pakistan, we have to be smart. India versus Pakistan is not a normal game. The intensity will be different,” said Moosa.Moosa is handling the senior national team for the first time. The NorthEast United FC assistant coach has built a reputation for developing players and previously did well with India U-23 squad. He was rewarded with the SAFF Championship assignment, which coincides with India’s friendlies against New Zealand.The ‘senior’ team, managed by Khalid Jamil, will travel to New Zealand next week for two friendlies against the World Cuppers, leaving Moosa with the reserves and some promising youngsters. That the first-round games of SAFF Championship are being played outside the FIFA international window has not helped.“If you look at the SAFF squad, it comprises players who have represented India in the past. They are good players. For sure, you will see attacking football; we won’t sit back and wait to attack (on the counter). The players are out to prove a point,” said Moosa.India have been drawn alongside Pakistan and Maldives in Group B. The Blue Tigers will face Maldives in their second and final group fixture on Nov 11, with the top two qualifying for the semifinals. Hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan make up Group A.
