18.08.2025 23:33
Sunil Chhetri Omitted from Coach Jamil’s Squad for CAFA Nations Cup
The newly appointed head coach of the Indian football team, Khalid Jamil, has excluded the star striker Sunil Chhetri from the 35-member probable squad for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, to be held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has released an official statement but did not provide a reason for the omission of Chhetri, who recently came out of international retirement.
Chhetri has participated in four matches for India in 2025 post his retirement comeback, and it’s unlikely that form is the reason for his exclusion. Chhetri’s club, Bengaluru FC, has not yet commenced pre-season training. Earlier this year, Bengaluru FC suspended first-team players’ and staff salaries due to uncertainties regarding the Indian Super League’s (ISL) future.
In contrast, the 35-probable list includes other Bengaluru FC players such as goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defenders Chinglensana Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, and midfielder Suresh Singh.
Regarding Chhetri, he initially retired from international football after a match against Kuwait in June 2024. However, he returned to the national team for a match against the Maldives at the request of former head coach Monolo Marquez, to aid in the Asian Cup qualifiers’ third round.
Also Read: Sunil Chhetri and other Bengaluru FC players face salary suspensions as ISL club makes a ‘difficult’ decision.
Following Chhetri’s return, India drew with Bangladesh and faced a defeat against Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifiers, putting the Blue Tigers in a challenging position for the 2027 continental event qualification.
Training Camp Commences
Currently, 22 Indian players have reported to the training camp in Bengaluru. The remaining 13 players will join after their club commitments in the Durand Cup are complete.
India finds itself in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup, set to compete against Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4.
“The AIFF has urged all clubs to release national team players for this vital assignment, which also prepares the squad for the forthcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Singapore (both away and home),” mentioned the AIFF in an official statement.
Players Currently in Training Camp:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Alex Saji, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Sunil Benchamin.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Nikhil Prabhu, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh Kumam.
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh.