Roy has been working with the India seniors since the Nehru Cup last year. But the players’ increasing tendency of getting tired and picking up minor injuries during the SAFF championship — it turned out to be the major reason behind India faltering at the last hurdle in the international tournament — has raised quite a few serious questions over the team doctor’s performance.

Speaking to The Indian Express today, an India international said: “We watched India’s two matches in the against Bhutan and Maldives. We were surprised with the players’ lack of endurance and stamina, particularly against Bhutan. When your team has to play five matches in a span of 10 to 12 days, then it’s the doctor who has to play a key role in helping the tired players recover fast. So what was the Indian team’s doctor doing?”

A section of the doctors involved with sports medicine in the country echoed the same opinion, saying that it is the doctor’s job to work on the players’ injuries and their fitness levels.

However, Suresh Babu, the physiotherapist of the Indian team, defended the team doctor against the attacks. Suresh said: “The team had to paticipate in five matches within a span of 10 days. And all the matches were held at 4pm amidst high humidity. The players were naturally exhausted. Secondly, we had 18 players in all. As a result, we didn’t have proper replacements for the tired and injured players. I belive our chief coach will propose the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to register at least 20 players before the AFC Challenge Cup.”

According to Suresh, only NS Manju is doubtful for the team’s Portugal tour, although the Mohun Bagan defender will have to attend the preparatory camp. This apart, the same team is expected to tour Portugal.