India, June 28 -- India lacked desire in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, said national football team director Subrata Paul. The former international has also listed team spirit among the challenges faced by the senior men's team after the 0-0 draw in Shillong on March 25.

The minutes of a technical committee meeting on April 17 states that Paul, a former India No. 1 and Arjuna award winner in 2016, "highlighted several key challenges faced by the Senior National Team (sic). These included issues related to Player's attitude (sic), patriotism and overall team spirit." HT has seen the minutes.

Paul should explain why he said this, said Bhaichung Bhutia, an executive committee member of the All India Football Federation (A...