Danny Batth hoping to become the next British-Indian Premier League star

Even though the English Premier League has been around for over 30 years, very few players with Indian ancestry have made it to the top level.

During his debut in the 1992–93 season, Robert Rosario became the first player of British-Indian and British-Asian heritage to play in the Premier League. It would be more than a decade before Michael Chopra of Newcastle United became the second Premier League star with an Indian heritage.

Danny Batth might be the next, as his Blackburn Rovers team is vying for a playoff spot in the Championship table. The defender, of English and Indian Punjabi descent has played a significant role in the Lancashire team's success in the 2024–2025 campaign. He is the highest-ranked British-Indian soccer player in the country right now.

A Case for the Defence

There are other British-Indians currently plying their trade in the domestic game. Mal Benning, a stylish left-back, has been a vital member of Shrewsbury Town's squad thus far in the 2024–25 campaign. The Shrews are -250 second-favorites to be relegated, though, given their current struggles at the bottom of the league table.

Those placing a football bet are also downbeat on the chances of Yan Dhanda’s Hearts, who have been cast adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. Dhanda, a talented midfielder, has expressed his hope to play for the Indian national team in the future. In order to accomplish this, he will have to play for a club that is more successful than Hearts at the moment.

Therefore, Danny Batth is by far the most well-known British-Indian in UK football at the moment. He has been an integral player for Blackburn so far this season, who, after nine rounds of games, find themselves just one point outside of the play-off places.

The 34-year-old has missed a few games due to injury, but when he is fit and active, Batth has flourished under John Eustace's tutelage. At the end of September, the defender scored a rare goal against QPR and was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. Batth is still playing at a high level as he approaches the fall of his career.

International Regret

Despite his positive memories of his career, Batth may never be able to shake the fact that he was never given the opportunity to play for India internationally. 

Born in England, Batth qualifies for India through his Punjab father. Although he is accredited by the Overseas Citizenship of India, he is unable to represent the nation due to stringent residential regulations, which require him to relocate and obtain a full passport.

“I would love the opportunity to be available for selection,” Batth has commented. “It would make all my family, friends and team-mates very proud.”

Furthermore, considering how well he is still playing, Danny Batth may have a long way to go before he can play for his country.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports