We Have The Team To Surprise Australia In AFC Asian Cup: Bhaichung Bhutia

The tag of favourites might be pinned on Australia, but former striker Bhaichung Bhutia insisted that India have the ammunition to surprise the world No. 25 Socceroos in their AFC Asian Cup group match in Qatar on Saturday. India are clubbed with title contenders Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria in Group B. "You never know. I will not be surprised if India get a good result tomorrow, I mean we have the team to surprise them. You know, Australia is not the Australia of a decade ago. We also have made progress as a team," Bhutia told PTI on Friday.

"Yes, it will be a tough match, but it is not an impossible task (to get a good result) for this side against them," said the former captain, who is in town for the Masterclass programme organised by Orchids School.

So, can India reach the Round of 16 in the tournament? "First thing first, we need to tackle Australia. If we can get a good result against them, who knows," said Bhutia.

However, Bhutia, who played more than 100 matches for the country between 1995 and 2011, said absence of some key players like Ashique Kuruniyan, Jeakson Singh and Anwar Ali could just peg back the India side a bit.

Defender Ali, midfielder Jeakson and winger Kuruniyan are recovering from their respective injuries and have not travelled with the team.

"Yes, it may be a bit of a concern because these are experienced players. I think the absence of Kuruniyan will especially hurt India. He is a strong and versatile player, who has the speed and skill.

"He is a constant threat to the opposition. But that said we have other good players who can make an impact," Bhutia added.

As ever, India will depend on their talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri to find the goals against some tough rivals in the event.

Bhuti