An iconic name in the history of Indian-origin footballers at the FIFA World Cup, Vikash Dhorasoo, is coming to India to support the Indian team against Brazil ahead of the India versus Brazil friendly match.
There was once an intense debate over whether this Indian-origin footballer could ever wear the Indian national team jersey. He could not do so as a player. But now, Dhorasoo is set to stand alongside Indian football in a different role. He is expected to be at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan to watch Team India take on five-time world champions Brazil.
Think about the moment India steps onto the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, against five-time world champion Brazil National Football Team; one of the first Indian origin footballers who played at a FIFA World Cup will be sitting among the Indian supporters, cheering for the country with which he shares his roots.
Vikash Dhorasoo will not be coming merely to watch the match. He is also expected to discuss and explore possible ways forward for Indian football.
The year was 2006, and Germany hosted the FIFA World Cup. France, led by the legendary Zinedine Zidane, went all the way to the final. In that star-studded French squad was Indian origin midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo.
Dhorasoo made history by becoming the first player of Indian origin to step onto the field at a FIFA World Cup. He featured in two matches, coming on as a substitute for the legendary Zidane, and played 18 matches for France. His World Cup journey was also captured in the acclaimed documentary “Substitute.”
Filmed during the tournament using a Super 8 camera, the documentary offered a unique behind the-scenes look at Dhorasoo’s life on the French team bench. His role within the squad, his interactions with Zidane and coach Raymond Domenech, his efforts to motivate his teammates, and his determination to give everything during the limited minutes he received on the pitch.
Today, the influence of OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) footballers is becoming increasingly visible across world football. Indian football, too, is looking at the possibility of creating a clear framework for the participation of players of Indian origin.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also been working on a fresh database of Indian origin footballers playing across top leagues around the world. Such a pool of players could potentially become an important part of the future roadmap of Indian football. Against that backdrop, Dhorasoo’s arrival in India right in the middle of this footballing spectacle adds another interesting dimension. His experience as an Indian origin footballer who reached the highest level of the game, including playing at a World Cup, could bring valuable perspectives to the ongoing conversation around OCI players and the future of Indian football.
And when India face Brazil at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Dhorasoo will not be on the pitch, but this time, he will be there supporting the Blue Tigers from the stands.
