Should India Call Up Its European-Based Indian Passport Holders? Dane Saju, Ativeer Jain and Others Deserve a Chance

Indian football finds itself at an important crossroads.

Following the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the national team is entering a rebuilding phase under head coach Khalid Jamil. While improving the domestic ecosystem remains a long-term priority, the immediate challenge is strengthening the national team player pool ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 and the SAFF Championship 2026.

One solution may already exist beyond Indian shores.

A growing group of Indian passport holders is currently developing their careers within European football systems. Unlike Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) players, these footballers face no eligibility complications and are immediately available for national team selection. Players such as Dane Saju, Ativeer Jain, Kabir Nath, Som Kumar and Yohaan Benjamin are all competing in Europe and deserve serious consideration for upcoming international tournaments.

The debate surrounding foreign-based Indian players often focuses on the level of competition they face. Critics frequently point out that many are not playing in Europe's top divisions.

However, that argument often misses the bigger picture.

Even in lower divisions across Portugal, Slovenia, Bosnia and Andorra, players are exposed daily to professional training environments, UEFA-licensed coaching structures, sports science programmes and tactical systems that differ significantly from what many Indian players encounter during their developmental years. The result is footballers who are often tactically disciplined, physically stronger and better prepared for international football.

India's recent performances have repeatedly highlighted deficiencies in defensive organisation, athleticism and transitional play. Integrating players developed within European systems could help address some of those shortcomings.

One of India's recurring issues has been the lack of natural left-sided defenders. Dane Saju offers an intriguing option. The 21-year-old currently plays for NK Zvijezda Gradačac in Bosnia and is comfortable operating both as a left-back and centre-back. Standing at 1.82m and naturally left-footed, Saju possesses a profile that remains relatively rare in Indian football.

Given India's need for depth in defensive positions, particularly on the left flank, the upcoming SAFF Championship would be an ideal environment to assess his readiness for senior international football.

Among the players under consideration, Ativeer Jain may be one of the most exciting. The midfielder has progressed through Portugal's football system and currently represents Portimonense SC's U-23 side. Before that, he enjoyed a productive spell with FC Alverca B, where he became one of the team's most-used players.

Portugal has one of the strongest player development structures in Europe, producing technically gifted midfielders year after year.

Jain's exposure to that environment could provide India with a different midfield profile one capable of operating comfortably under pressure and maintaining possession in tight spaces.

Goalkeeper remains another position where India needs long-term planning. While experienced names continue to lead the national team, succession planning is essential.

Som Kumar appears ready to enter that conversation. The 21-year-old goalkeeper currently plays in Slovenia's second division and has already represented India successfully at youth level. He was instrumental in India's SAFF U-20 and U-19 triumphs and earned recognition as one of the country's brightest goalkeeping prospects.

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Standing at 1.91m and developing in a competitive European environment, Kumar represents exactly the kind of player India should be exposing to senior international football.

The SAFF Championship could provide the perfect platform for him to gain valuable minutes.

At 25 years of age, Kabir Nath is the most experienced player in this group. The winger has accumulated significant playing time in Andorra's top division and has spent several seasons navigating competitive European football. His journey through Spain and Andorra has helped him develop resilience and adaptability.

While he may not be the headline-grabbing name among India's overseas prospects, his experience and maturity could prove valuable in a developing squad.

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect is 18-year-old Yohaan Benjamin. The young attacker currently plays for NK Bravo's U-19 team in Slovenia and has already made history by becoming the first Indian player to be included in a UEFA Youth League squad. His rapid adaptation to European football and impressive goal-scoring record suggest significant potential.

Benjamin may not be ready to become a regular senior international immediately, but exposing him to the national team environment now could accelerate his development considerably.

ASEAN Cup or SAFF Championship?

The ideal approach would be strategic integration rather than wholesale changes. The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 is expected to feature stronger opposition such as Thailand, Vietnam and China. India should primarily rely on its strongest available senior squad for that competition.

The SAFF Championship, however, presents a different opportunity.

Historically, India has dominated the regional tournament. That makes it an ideal platform to evaluate emerging talent without excessive pressure. Players such as Som Kumar, Ativeer Jain, Dane Saju and Yohaan Benjamin could all be introduced gradually while still allowing India to remain competitive. Indian football cannot afford to ignore eligible talent simply because it develops outside the country.

These players already hold Indian passports, face no eligibility barriers and are gaining valuable experience in European football environments. Not all will become national team regulars, but without opportunities, India will never know their true potential.

With the ASEAN Cup and SAFF Championship approaching, the time has come for the AIFF and Khalid Jamil to widen the talent pool. The next generation of Indian internationals may already be developing in Bosnia, Portugal, Andorra and Slovenia.