With the recent rise in popularity levels witnessed by cricket due to the advent of the Twenty20 format, Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia thinks the beautiful game should also follow the same course in India.

“Well, right now, I am keeping in mind the latest craze—T20 format. I am hopeful that just like how Indians welcomed T20 cricket, they would accept T20 football too,” he said.

The example at hand, Bhutia thinks, is futsal—the shortened format with five-member teams.

“I think that Futsal can do the same as what T20 has done to cricket. Futsal can really challenge the player to perform at the highest level as the game is short. If it becomes as popular as T20 cricket, it will help in setting the standards in football,” said Bhutia, adding: “Many prominent footballers have improved their skill by playing Futsal.”