No Sunil Chhetri! New India manager Khalid Jamil names probables list for CAFA Nations Cup

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halid Jamil, in his first assignment as head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, has announced a 35-member list of probables for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

The squad will begin its preparatory camp in Bengaluru on Friday, August 16, though only 22 players have reported so far. The remaining 13 are still with their clubs in the Durand Cup and will join later. The camp marks the start of Jamil’s tenure and comes at a crucial time, with India set to face strong opposition in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup. The Blue Tigers will travel to Hisor, Tajikistan, where they play the hosts on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4.

The third-place match and the final are scheduled for September 8 in Hisor and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

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Notably, the 35-member list does not feature long-time captain Sunil Chhetri. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has requested all clubs to release their players to ensure India can field a full-strength squad for the tournament, which also doubles as preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Players in Camp (22 reported)

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik TiwariDefenders: Akash Mishra, Alex Saji, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Sunil BenchaminMidfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Nikhil Prabhu, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh KumamForwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh

Players yet to Join (13 players)

Mohun Bagan SG: Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Vishal KaithEast Bengal FC: Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, Naorem Mahesh SinghJamshedpur FC: Manvir Singh, Albino GomesNorthEast United FC: Jithin MS