Vishal Kaith is poised for a significant moment in his career as he steps into the spotlight for India's national football team. Following the exclusion of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu due to poor form, Kaith's outstanding performances in the Indian Super League (ISL) have earned him an opportunity to showcase his skills on the international stage.
On March 19, 2025, Kaith marked his long-anticipated return to the national squad during a FIFA International Friendly against the Maldives, where India won 3-0. For Kaith, this match was especially significant; it represented his fifth appearance for India but came after a staggering gap of 2,377 days, the longest in the history of the Indian senior men's team. The 28-year-old last played during the 2018 SAFF Championship, where India finished as runners-up, losing to none other than the Maldives.
The current landscape of Indian football has shifted dramatically. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, India's first-choice goalkeeper since his debut against Iran in 2015, was left out of the recent squad following a string of disappointing performances. According to India’s coach Manolo Marquez, the decision to exclude Sandhu was primarily based on his current form. Over the past year, Sandhu made multiple errors that led to goals against teams like Australia and Malaysia, and crucial mistakes—like conceding a penalty during a critical match against Afghanistan—compounded concerns about his readiness for the national team.
(Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has faced mounting errors, leading to his exclusion from the national team.)During the 2024-25 season, Bengaluru FC, which Sandhu represents, even opted not to start him in several matches, bringing his reliability into question at a time when consistency is essential for any national player. As goalscoring opportunities dried up for his club, it was clear that injuries and moments of miscalculation were taking their toll on Sandhu’s capability to perform under pressure.
In contrast, Vishal Kaith has thrived amidst pressure—regularly showcasing his skills in front of crowds exceeding 30,000, peaking at over 50,000 during key matches for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the team he has starred for this season.
With an impressive record of being the fastest to 50 clean sheets in ISL history (reached in just 138 matches), Kaith has proven himself indispensable for his club, starting 23 out of 24 matches in ISL11. Head coach Jose Molina has praised Kaith, stating emphatically, "He’s the best in my mind," prior to a match away against Mumbai City. Molina highlighted kaith's ability to make critical saves, positioning him as an integral part of the squad.
Kaith has emerged not only as a dependable goalkeeper but as a rising star in Indian football.Further bolstered by a stellar save percentage of 81.3 and 14 clean sheets already this season, Kaith embodies the skill and confidence needed to serve as India’s last line of defense. In matches against formidable opponents such as Maldives, Kaith's reliability under pressure could prove pivotal in determining India's future trajectory in international football.
Reflecting on his comeback, Kaith remarked, "It felt amazing to play after almost seven years. Goalkeeper is such a position that it's difficult to find a place in the line-up." He considers this match against Maldives as his true debut: "I had never played with the seniors before, especially (Sunil) Chhetri bhai"—a statement that underscores his appreciation for both Chhetri and the opportunity presented to him. Kaith credits his persistence, noting that "if you keep working hard and give your hundred percent in training, you will get your chance someday. And that day arrived for me on Wednesday."
Having previously spent 21 matches on the bench, Kaith has demonstrated resilience and a willingness to learn from the more seasoned goalkeepers around him. His maturity and experiences, both on and off the pitch, have lent him a unique perspective on the position. As he continues to build a successful career with Mohun Bagan, he is keyed into the significance of collaboration, even amidst competition, within the goalkeeper core of India's national team.
Savoring the moment, Kaith reflects on his journey since the beginning of his career. With aspirations of leading the national team to success, he aims to emulate the stellar performances he has consistently delivered at the club level. He noted, "You must continue to do well for your club in the league," acknowledging the importance of regular game time to secure a permanent spot on the national side.
As Vishal Kaith steps onto the field representing India, fans and analysts alike will turn their eyes toward him, hoping to witness the continued rise of a goalkeeper destined to make his mark on the international stage.
