Sahal Abdul Samad joins India camp ahead of Kyrgyz Republic game

This addition doesn't involve any replacements in the squad.

Sahal Abdul Samad has joined the India camp ahead of the Kyrgyz Republic game, Khel Now can confirm. A source tracking the movement informed Khel Now, “Sahal took a flight yesterday (26th March) and went to Imphal. He was present in the team meeting in the evening as well. He will train today with the side and should be available for selection on 28th.”

This comes in as a big news since initially Sahal Abdul Samad was dropped to the reserves list due to his not-so-whelming performances in the Indian Super League. However, it is the perfect moment for the 25-year-old to show Igor Stimac and the entire contingent that he’s perfectly in shape to fit into the national team.

Sahal Abdul Samad’s ISL 2022-23 campaign

It was a decent but not an overwhelming season for Sahal. He played 20 matches in the ISL including the eliminator tie against Bengaluru FC and scored three goals along with providing two assists. Kerala Blasters ended their league campaign on the fifth position with 31 points from 20 games.

In the eliminator against Bengaluru FC, a huge controversy took place, after which Kerala Blasters left the pitch and Bengaluru FC were declared winners.

Full Coverage of the Free-kick Controversy:

• Kerala Blasters players stage walkout following controversial goal
• Kerala Blasters walk off, Bengaluru FC declared winners
• Sunil Chhetri reveals what discussion he had with referee before taking free-kick
• Sunil waited for Luna to get out of the way twice, Simon Grayson clarifies
• Decoding the referee’s decision in the Bengaluru FC-Kerala Blasters game
• Twitterati react to Kerala Blasters’ walkout decision
• Kerala Blasters demand replay, file protest against referee Crystal John
• Kerala Blasters’ plea rejected by AIFF Disciplinary Committee
• AIFF charges Ivan Vukomanovic for walkout in ISL knockouts

Sahal Abdul Samad for India

Sahal Abdul Samad made his debut appearance for India on 5th June, 2019, in an international friendly against Curacao, which India lost by 3-1. His first goal in national colours however, came against Nepal in the 2021 SAFF Championship final, which India won 3-0.