India's head coach Igor Stimac has admitted that his side are underdogs going into the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, but has also declared that the team's "strength of character" will be the deciding factor in whether they progress in the tournament. India have been drawn in a tough group alongside Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria and Stimac has chosen a squad of 26 players that possess experience, physical strength and mental toughness. The team have been plagued by injuries to key players such as Anwar Ali, Ashique Kuruniyan and Jeakson Singh, but Stimac is hoping that the team can reach the knock-out stages. India's first match is against Australia on 13 January. India men's football team head coach Igor Stimac has stated that the squad he will field at next month's AFC Asian Cup will be determined by their "strength of character" as they prepare to face three tough opponents in Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. The team are perceived as underdogs in a difficult group, but Stimac has stressed the importance of mental toughness in his selection, saying that "no matter the talent, if there is no character nothing can be achieved.