Vikash Dhorasoo challenges India to unlock football potential of 1.4 billion

Former AC Milan midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo has issued a challenge to Indian football: prove that a population of 1.4 billion can produce genuine world-class talent. The 2006 World Cup finalist labelled India’s current standing at 138th in the FIFA rankings an absolute paradox, given the intense passion for the game in hotbeds like Kolkata.

Dhorasoo, who has Indian heritage, stated that his own professional journey serves as proof that players of Indian descent can thrive at the highest level in Europe. He argued that the current low standing is unjustified and requires a shift toward strategic foresight and superior coaching methods.

I'm living proof that Indian-origin players can reach the highest level of this sport. I don't have any doubts that for a population of 1.4 billion, you can find gems who will be able to do what I did. Vikash Dhorasoo

Dhorasoo’s visit to Kolkata includes meetings with federation officials and visits to academies, alongside a catch-up with former boss Carlo Ancelotti ahead of India’s historic friendly against Brazil. He believes that focusing on the youth and women's game is the most effective way to push the nation forward.

While acknowledging the massive quality gap between India and the five-time world champions, Dhorasoo encouraged the players to embrace the challenge. He emphasized that structured academy reform and elevated domestic coaching qualifications are the essential next steps to end India's long-standing absence from major tournaments.