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How to sync SN with your TV'Tough one': Bazeley backs Singh's decision to miss historic India fixtures
Sport Nation • November 4th, 2026 2:42 pm
Sarpreet Singh at the FIFA World Cup 2026 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
All Whites coach Darren Bazeley has revealed the difficult decision behind Sarpreet Singh's absence from the upcoming fixtures against India, with the midfielder prioritising his club commitments in Portugal.
The 27-year-old, who currently plays for Sporting Clube Farense, will miss the historic fixtures after lengthy discussions with Bazeley about the significance of returning to face India, particularly given his family connections.
Singh made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first player with the surname Singh to feature at a men's football World Cup.
Sarpreet Singh | Photo: Jose Breton/Photosport
The All Whites have only faced India twice previously, in 1981 and 2018, with the upcoming series providing another opportunity to renew the international rivalry.
The outgoing coach admitted Singh's absence was not an easy decision, given the importance of the occasion for both the player and his family.
“That was a tough one. We talked for a long time backwards and forwards with that and he knew the enormity of coming back and playing against India for himself and his family," he told Sport Nation Mornings.
“Ultimately his club do play in the window and so he would be missing games for his club.”
Bazeley says the priority is ensuring Singh continues to build momentum at club level, having worked his way back into the starting line-up.
“We need a Sarpreet Singh that's fully fit, which he is now, but playing consistently at his club and getting back to some of the levels that we know he can get to.
“He's had to prioritise his club, he's playing now, he's in the starting lineup, but he's had to work hard to gain that at his club, gain the trust from the coach and get his performances right.”
Coach Darren Bazeley with Sarpreet Singh | Photo: Carl Kafka/Photosport
While Singh's absence will be felt during a significant series for New Zealand, Bazeley believes the decision is in the best interests of both the player and the national side in the long term.
“Walking away for a tour, missing games at his club, he didn't feel was the right thing for him at the moment and again ultimately for the All Whites in the long term, we need him playing regularly consistently at the highest level for us to be at our best.”
Listen to the full interview below:
