Indian Football Team Coach Khalid Jamil Announces Squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025, Excluding Sunil Chhetri
In a move that has left fans disappointed, Indian football team coach Khalid Jamil has announced a young squad for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025, excluding the country’s all-time leading scorer Sunil Chhetri. The 38-year-old striker, who has been a key player for the team, was not included in the list of potential players, indicating that he would not be selected for the tournament.
Despite the initial shock, Jamil clarified that he was looking to give young players a chance to prove themselves in the tournament, which is also a preparation ground for the Asian Cup qualifiers. He hinted that Chhetri would be available for upcoming crucial matches, stating that the door for the veteran striker would always be open.
The decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering the current state of Indian football, with the Indian Super League (ISL) still uncertain due to a dispute between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the league’s owners over the Master Rights Agreement. The uncertainty has led to several clubs halting payments to their players, including those in the ISL.
The Indian team’s schedule for the tournament includes matches against Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. Jamil has chosen a squad that includes several young players, including Manvir Singh, Jitin MS, Irfan Yadawad, Vikram Pratap Singh, and Lalnuthsing Luia. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who has been a regular in the team, has also made a comeback.
The Indian football team’s squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amarinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari
Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naoarom Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Himinthanmaviya Ralt, Muhammad Uvais
Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farukh Bhat, Thounaojam Jackson Singh, Boris Singh Thangjam, Ashik Kuruniyan, Umdanta Singh Kumaam, Naoarom Mahesh Singh
Forwards: Irfan Yadawad, Manvir Singh (Junior), Jitin MS, Lalnuthsing Luia, Vikram Pratap Singh
Coach: Khalid Jamil
