Karandeep Kochhar arrives at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat as India's standout performer heading into the International Series Morocco, a $2 million event on the Asian Tour calendar. The 26-year-old carries momentum from three top-10 finishes in just five Asian Tour starts this season, currently sitting at Tied-12th in the standings.

India's 10-Member Contingent

A strong 10-member Indian contingent is competing at the high-profile event, headlined by Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) stars Kochhar, Gaganjeet Bhullar, and veteran Anirban Lahiri. The group also features Aryan Roopa Anand, Udayan Mane, SSP Chawrasia, Rashid Khan, Shaurya Bhattacharya, Ajeetesh Sandhu, and Shubham Jaglan.

Kochhar's Form Heading In

Kochhar's recent results make him the player to watch among the Indian group. He finished tied for ninth at last week's IGPL Bharath Classic, tied for fifth at the International Series Japan, and fourth at the Philippine Golf Championship. Late last year, he claimed the Egypt Golf Series Red Sea Open on the Asian Development Tour, underlining a consistent upward curve.

'I think I've been playing really well this year. I've only played five events so far and I've already had three top-10 finishes, so that's definitely encouraging,' Kochhar said. 'Even in the other events, I felt like I was playing solid golf.'

Three Weeks in Morocco — and the Physical Toll

Kochhar has competed across three consecutive weeks in Morocco, moving through the Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour events before arriving at the International Series. The demanding stretch, particularly the wind-exposed Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, has taken a physical toll.

'It's definitely been a bit taxing. The last two weeks at Mazagan were tough because it's such a windy golf course, and playing in those conditions takes a lot more energy out of you,' he said. 'I'm definitely feeling a little tired, but I keep reminding myself how important, and potentially life-changing, this tournament is. I'll have a long break after this week, so it's worth giving everything I've got.'

The Anirban Lahiri Effect

The presence of Anirban Lahiri — who has played on both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf — has added a mentorship dimension to the Indian camp. Kochhar spoke warmly about the opportunity to learn from one of India's most accomplished professionals, noting that even pre-tournament practice rounds carry value.

'Honestly, it's amazing having Anirban here. He has so much knowledge from playing on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf over the years, and you can learn so much just being around him. Right now, he's carrying the Indian flag in global golf, and he's an amazing role model, not just as a player, but as a person too,' Kochhar said.

The two sides even played a friendly seven-hole match ahead of the tournament — Kochhar and Aryan Roopa Anand versus Lahiri and Bhattacharya — with Kochhar birdying the final two holes to halve the contest from two down.

IGPL–Asian Tour Partnership in Focus

The International Series Morocco is part of the broader partnership between the Asian Tour and the IGPL, a collaboration Kochhar views as significant for Indian golf's global ambitions. He has emerged as the top-ranked Indian across joint IGPL–Asian Tour events this season — a distinction he says he takes genuine pride in alongside his overall leaderboard aspirations.

With the full Indian contingent assembled at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, all eyes will be on whether Kochhar can convert his season's consistency into a tournament win on Moroccan soil.