Khalid Jamil announced his first squad for the CAFA Nations Cup, opting to leave out veteran Sunil Chhetri in order to test new forwards. Meanwhile, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu makes his return to the Indian team after an eight-month absence. Sandhu last played for India in the 1-1 friendly against Malaysia in November. Marquez had preferred Vishal Kaith for recent fixtures earlier this year, including back-to-back defeats to Thailand and Hong Kong in June. Gurpreet expressed his renewed motivation via social media: ‘A familiar frame, but it feels a bit different now. The desire, the hunger to go out there every day wearing our nation’s badge has become even more intense.’
Mohun Bagan Super Giants have not released players like Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Deepak Tangri, Manvir Singh, and Liston Colaco for the tournament, citing their obligation to adhere only to the official FIFA international match calendar when releasing players.
However, the final squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 has an interesting mix of young and experienced players.
The 23-year-old FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari has secured his place in the national team squad. The talented custodian had an impressive last season in the Indian Super League. Amrinder Singh is another option in the squad for the goalkeeping role.
India’s defense has some predictable names, including the experienced Sandesh Jhingan, who will have the responsibility to marshal the defense against formidable opponents. His centre-back partner, Anwar Ali, is also in the squad.
The East Bengal centre back recently joined the camp after the Durand Cup campaign. The versatile Rahul Bheke is another familiar name in the squad who is expected to play either as centre-back or right-back. The full-back roles will see relatively new faces. Punjab FC left-back Muhammed Uvais will don the Indian colours for the first time. Valpuia and Naorem Roshan Singh have also kept their place in the squad.
Midfield is one area where India might struggle, as some senior players are not available for the tournament. Players like Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq, Jeakson Singh, and Borish Singh will be seen operating in the centre of the park.
There are no surprising calls from Khalid Jamil when it comes to wide forwards. The task of creating chances on the wings will be undertaken by the likes of Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Jithin MS, and Lallianzuala Chhangte.
With Sunil Chhetri absent from the squad, the Number 9 role presents the biggest gap to fill. Khalid Jamil will turn to young faces, including Jamshedpur FC striker Manvir Singh, who will make his debut, to lead t lead the line in the 8-nation tournament. Irfan Yadwad, who made his first international appearance against Malaysia last year, and Vikram Partap Singh are also set to compete for the striker’s role.
India faces Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan on 29th August, 1st and 4th September. Jamil had announced 35 players for the training camp that started on August 15at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru.
