Kolkata, October 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India head coach Khalid Jamil has refused to single out captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu following the team’s 4-0 defeat to Brazil in the international friendly in Kolkata, saying the result was the outcome of collective mistakes.
Gurpreet was replaced at half-time after Brazil dominated the opening period, but Jamil rejected suggestions that the goalkeeper was responsible for the heavy defeat. Instead, he pointed to lapses across the Indian defence against a Brazil side that punished mistakes ruthlessly.
“You cannot blame Gurpreet. He is one of the best goalkeepers in India. But you cannot judge him on two matches. So, it’s not just because of Gurpreet. The defenders also didn’t close down. So, overall, everybody’s mistake,” Jamil said, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti and featuring Vinicius Junior, provided India with a test against opposition at the highest level. Jamil said the biggest takeaway for his players was the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match.
“If you play with a good team, you make one mistake, and they finish,” he said. “For that, concentration should be good, and you have to be alert.”
Jamil also revealed that Ancelotti spoke to him after the match, offering encouragement despite Brazil’s convincing win.
“He said that you played very well. Just take it up,” Jamil said.
The India coach praised Ancelotti as both a top-level coach and a gentleman, admitting there was plenty he could learn from the veteran Italian.
“Yes, he’s very good. A gentleman. He’s very simple. Technically, what to learn from him? Many things,” Jamil said.
Despite the result, Jamil stressed that India need more exposure to elite opposition to gain experience and improve.
“The more you play, the better,” he said. “You have to play more matches. You have to have experience.”
Asked to rate India’s performance out of 10, Jamil gave a characteristically blunt response.
“I have got zero points,” he said before moving on.
India will now turn their attention to Uruguay, giving Jamil’s side another opportunity to test themselves against high-quality international opposition.
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