Head coach Khalid Jamil, who announced the 23-member probable squad on Wednesday, appears to be focusing on a new generation of players, marking what could be the end of Chhetri’s illustrious international career.
The 41-year-old Bengaluru FC captain had returned from retirement earlier this year, featuring in India’s goalless draw against Bangladesh in Shillong in March—his first match after reversing his decision to step away from international football. However, he was not selected for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, and now finds himself excluded once again under Jamil’s leadership.
India, already out of contention for Asian Cup qualification after a 2–1 loss to Singapore in October, sit bottom of Group C with just two points from four matches. Bangladesh share the same points tally but are ahead on goal difference, while Hong Kong and Singapore lead the table with eight points each.
India Squad:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh.
