Updated On: 26 July, 2025 08:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashwin Ferro
Former international Santosh Kashyap, who did not make the shortlist from among 170 applicants for the recently-vacated post of men’s national coach, believes only an indigenous pro can arrest the sport’s downward spiral here

A disappointed Lallianzuala Chhangte (centre) and Brandon Fernandes (right) after India’s 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10. Pic/Indian Football Instagram
Indian football is at its lowest FIFA ranking in a decade, at No. 133. After Coach Manolo Marquez’s resignation earlier this month, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) received 170 applications to fill his position and shortlisted three names — India’s Khalid Jamil, England’s Stephen Constantine, and Slovakian Stefan Tarkovic. AIFF are expected to announce the new coach by August 1.
Former India central midfielder Santosh Kashyap was among the 170, who applied, and he’s not bitter at not being shortlisted. Instead, he has some valuable words of advice for the sport’s administrators, who are desperately looking to resurrect football’s downward spiral in the country.
Local knowledge is key