Khalid Jamil emerges as frontrunner for Indian football coach role

Khalid Jamil has emerged as a frontrunner to take up the vacant Indian men's football team coach role, according to a report from PTI. Jamil, who has been known for his work with limited resources in the I-League and the Indian Super League,

is amongst the three candidates who have been shortlisted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF)

along with former India coach Stephen Constantine and Stefan Tarkovic.

The AIFF went through close to 170 applications, which included the likes of Xavi, Robbie Fowler and Harry Kewell. The news about Xavi's application came to light on July 24 as AIFF appreciated the interest from the Spaniard,

but decided not to proceed with it given the costs involved with the operation

to bring the former Barcelona manager on board.

However, PTI is stating that amongst the three who have been shortlisted, Jamil appears to be the favourite to land the job. The AIFF have resisted the tendency to hand over the reigns to an Indian coach at a crossroads moment but the current Jamshedpur FC coach seems to be edging ahead.

Why Jamil could be the people's choice

Jamil's work with Indian football has been incredible. After representing India in 40 international matches, the former midfielder started his career as a coach with Mumbai in 2009. However, it was with Aizawl FC that he came into the limelight. Given the limited resources at his disposal, Jamil guided them into the I-League from the second division and helped them win the title in their first season.

After stints with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, Jamil once again came into the limelight for guiding Northeast United to the semi-finals of the ISL in the 2021-22 season. He then went on to repeat the feat with Jamshedpur FC.