The FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between India and Kuwait saw two debutants on the international stage, with Edmund Lalrindika becoming the first I-League player to make India debut in half a decade.
The last player from the league to make a National team debut (competitive fixture) was Salam Ranjan Singh in 2017, playing for East Bengal then, which used compete in the I-League.
Lalrindika replaced another debutant Jay Gupta in the 83rd minute, after impressing in the national camp in May, as well as with his I-League side Inter Kashi. With six goals and nine assists in all competitions, the 25-year-old became one of his club’s most promising players as Kashi finished fourth in its maiden I-League campaign.
“It’s been the best season of my career so far. I want to thank the club and the management for their support and trust in me. It was one of the reasons that I got called for the national team, so I’m grateful for that and I will give my everything to not let them down,” Lalrindika told the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF’s) website in an interview.
“He (Stimac) came to watch one of our (Inter Kashi’s) games, and after the match, he was kind enough to meet me and told me to keep working hard and keep pushing myself. I’m really grateful to the coach for his appreciation of my efforts and I want to thank him for this opportunity.”
Lalrindika was one of the two I-League players to remain in the squad after the preliminary squad was trimmed, with the other being David Lalhansanga, who helped Mohammedan Sporting win the I-League and secure Indian Super League (ISL) promotion, last season.
He, however, is yet to take the field for the senior team.
India, after its goalless draw with Kuwait, remains second in its group in the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and play its last group-stage match against Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium on June 11.
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