Khel Now TV experts & fans pick India's AFC Asian Cup final squad, playing XI

India announced a 50-member probables list for the AFC Asian Cup earlier today.
The highly anticipated 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup is on the horizon, set to kick off from January 12th. Khel Now TV has enlisted the insights of their experts and fans to craft India’s optimal 23-man squad and the final playing XI for the Indian national team. Khel Now TV, known for its insightful analysis and fan engagement, has revealed its chosen lineup in consultation with experts and fans alike.
Khel Now TV’s squad
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh, Subhasish Bose, Akash Mishra
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh, Lalengmawia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad, Yasir Mohammad
Forwards: Naorem Mahesh Singh, Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahul KP, Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh, Kiyan Nassiri
Khel Now TV’s panel and passionate fans converged on a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation for the final playing XI, emphasizing a robust defensive lineup and a dynamic midfield to support the legendary Sunil Chhetri up front.
Predicted Playing XI: 4-2-3-1 Formation

This Indian football team lineup epitomizes a strategic blend of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking prowess. The defensive quartet, led by Jhingan’s experience, aims to fortify the backline, while the midfield duo of Apuia and Jeakson Singh is geared towards controlling the game’s tempo and providing the necessary cover to the defense. The attacking front of Chhangte, Sahal, and Naorem, flanking the seasoned forward Chhetri, promises an exhilarating offensive threat.
The selections made by Khel Now TV, with inputs from experts and passionate fans, reflect the nation’s hopes and aspirations for a stellar campaign in this prestigious tournament. While the final squad and playing XI remain speculative, this compilation reflects the aspirations and insights of passionate football followers, stirring excitement and debate among Indian football enthusiasts.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
- Supercomputer predicts Premier League 2025-26 season's final standings
- Former World Cup winner hopes 2026 will be 'dedicated' to Cristiano Ronaldo
- FC Goa vs FC Istiklol: Second half dropoff, Gaurs' winless campaign and other talking points
- We have space: Ruben Amorim on Manchester United's January transfer plans
- AFCON 2025: Points table, most goals, assists & more after matchday 1
- Top six quickest players to reach 100 Bundesliga goal contributions; Kane, Aubameyang & more
- Top three highest goalscorers in French football history; Kylian Mbappe & more
- With ₹19.89 crore bank balance; AIFF & Indian football standing on edge of financial collapse?
- AFCON 2025: All nations' squad list for Morocco
- Zlatan Ibrahimović names one of Lionel Messi’s sons as his “heir”