Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri makes return as India head coach Khalid Jamil selects 30 probables for Asian Cup qualifiers
India squad set to assemble in Bengaluru for training camp
At a time when India’s domestic top-tier competition, the Indian Super League, has been thrust into uncertainty, newly appointed national team head coach Khalid Jamil gave football lovers across the nation a reason to cheer.
In his first competition in his new role, Jamil steered the Blue Tigers to an impressive third-placed finish at the 2025 CAFA Cup earlier this month by beating a higher-ranked opponent in Oman in the bronze medal playoff match.
However, the new boss has not stepped off the gas since then and is already looking ahead to his next assignment, where India will face Singapore in a double header, home and away, in the third round of their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers next month.
Jamil has announced a list of 30 probables to attend the team’s training camp in Bengaluru, and among those summoned is Sunil Chhetri, who was surprisingly left out of the squad for the CAFA Nations Cup. Following the squad announcement, Jamil expressed optimism for his team’s upcoming task. He said:
“They have performed in the Asian Cup qualifiers. I believe in them. And the character they showed, I am sure they will definitely do very well against Singapore. Yes, it is a difficult game. But we have to prepare very well and just give our best to get a positive result. We have to be prepared for all situations.”
The Blue Tigers will take on the Lions at the Singapore National Stadium on October 9 before returning home to face the same opponent at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on October 14.
India’s 30-man preliminary squad ahead for Asian Cup qualifiers
Jamil’s squad for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers has been boosted by the return of Mohun Bagan players, who were not released by their club to feature in the CAFA Nations Cup due to their AFC Champions League Two commitments.
Notably, given that India’s training camp will kick off this weekend, MBSG and FC Goa players who made the cut will link up with the team later than others, with the AFC Champions League Two competition now in full swing and available to follow via our football livescore tool.
Additionally, five players have been placed on standby by Jamil, including two from the national U23 team and three senior players. These five player names will be released at a later date.
India Asian Cup qualifiers squad
Defenders: Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jithin MS, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammed Aimen, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Mohammed Sanan K, Muhammed Suhail, Parthib Gogoi, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh
