Rise of The Underdog

In the aftermath of India's humiliating international performances, AIFF President Arjun Malhotra calls a crisis meeting in March 2026. Amidst rising tensions, a bold new name is proposed—Raghav Rathore, a former footballer turned youth coach, known for his uncompromising philosophy. But when offered the senior team, Raghav refuses. His ambition lies deeper: to build a U-17 foundation capable of carrying India to the 2034 FIFA World Cup.



Over five months, Raghav and his assistant Arvind travel across India, scouting raw, untamed talent. From Kerala to Punjab, Bihar to Tripura, they unearth players with skill, hunger, and heart. A brutal 7-day trial narrows the pool to 26. What follows is a national camp like no other—discipline, tactical rigor, emotional breakdowns, rising leadership, and fierce competition.



As bonds form and egos clash, Raghav shapes not just players—but men. Friendly matches test their character. Wins and losses carve their identity. Through heat, failure, and pressure, a squad begins to believe in something bigger than results: the resurrection of Indian football.



But glory doesn't come easy. They must prove themselves again and again—under lights, under doubt, and under expectation. And as the path to the AFC U-17 Championship nears, one question lingers:



Can this generation carry India where no team has gone before?