Main priority is to be ready for the Asian Cup in January, says Sandesh Jhingan

The Indian football team have enjoyed a long run of good form although they have come under criticism for playing unfashionable football on the pitch. But their recent loss to Kyrgz republic came after 13-unbeaten outings on the international stage which saw the Indian team rise to 97th position in the FIFA rankings as well.

However, talismanic defender Sandesh Jhingan has played down any form of false expectations set by the media as he claimed that Stephen Constantine and boys are solely focused on the upcoming Asian Cup to be held in January next year.

"That (the Intercontinental Cup) is really good. Our main priority is to be ready for the Asian Cup and it starts in January. This tournament, along with the teams that are coming in including New Zealand, will be a very good test for us," the 24-year-old defender told PTI.

Jhingan also added a bit about the Intercontinental cup that India will participate in which will see Chhetri & Co. go up against the likes of New Zealand, China Taipei, and South Africa.

"The better teams you play, the better you get. It (the tournament) is the right opportunity to test ourselves. We never come across teams like these quite often -- New Zealand, South Africa, they are going to play a different kind of football.

"Of course, it will be good preparation ahead of Asian Cup (next year). I believe that they (South Africa, New Zealand) are good sides and I believe we need to play good teams," he added.