FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2: Who are the new entrants in Team India?

Vikram Partap Singh is yet to make his national debut

The Indian National Football team is scheduled to face Kuwait and Qatar in their upcoming fixture, as they have been placed in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 & FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2, alongside both nations.

A list of 28 probables for the two matches has been announced. Including a few new players, there are also some individuals who were not included in India’s squad during the recently concluded Merdeka Cup. Below we have discussed about the six players who were left out of the squad in previous ties but have been included for the vital Round 2 fixtures.

Rahul Bheke 

In a surprising move, 32-year old Rahul Bheke has been recalled to the Indian side after missing out in some of the fixtures earlier this tournament. Bheke made his first international appearance in 2019. The Mumbai City FC defender has also scored a goal for the Blue Tigers in his 22 appearances.   

Rahul Kannoly Praveen

Rahul KP is best known for his performances for Kerala Blasters FC and his sole goal for India against China in their 5-1 loss in 2023 Asian Games. However, following the Asian Games, the talented winger was not selected for subsequent matches. Nevertheless, he has recently been given the opportunity to represent the national team once again, having already made four appearances at the international level.

Vikram Partap Singh

Vikran Pratap Singh, the 21-year old, Chandigarh born player has a golden opportunity to make into the final squad that will face the two nations in the upcoming fixtures. The Mumbai City FC forward, who is yet to make his debut for the senior national team has scored five goals for his club in 46 appearances.   

Ishan Pandita

Ishan Pandita made his debut for the senior national team in 2021, but has been sidelined for the past year. He has made six appearances for the Blue Tigers and scored a goal that came against Hong Kong in June 2022. In recent development, he has been signed by Kerala Blaster FC for a two-year deal.  

Glan Martins

Martins made his debut for India in 2021, however, he was subsequently sidelined after 13 appearances. Surprisingly, for an entire year, he has not received a single call from the Indian team. It is worth mentioning that the midfielder has recently been signed by Mohan Bagan Super Giant.

Apuia

Lalengmawia, better known as Apuia is also set to return to the team, albeit as a potential candidate. There is a significant possibility that he will be included in the final squad. He already has 12 appearances for the senior national team. 

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