Who are the new faces in India's probable squad for Afghanistan game?

A few players have been dropped and a few debutants are waiting for their chance.

After a forgetful start to 2024, the Indian national men’s football team will return to action with the hope to get things back on track. The Blue Tigers will face off against Afghanistan away from home in their third 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier before facing them at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati a few days later.

India won their first game against Kuwait before losing out to Asian champions Qatar at home. Igor Stimac has announced the list of probables ahead of the qualifiers, including a few new names. Let us take a look at the new faces called up by the head coach.

Jay Gupta 

FC Goa’s young prodigy Jay Gupta is one of the new names to be called up to the national team. The left-back has been a consistent performer for the Gaurs in his debut season. He is fast, physical and possesses a never-say-die attitude. Jay has scored two goals and provided two assists in 17 league games this season.

Puitea 

Puitea is also one of the latest names to be called up by Igor Stimac. The midfielder has been an influential figure for Odisha FC and is one of Sergio Lobera’s most trusted lieutenants. Puitea has brought out the best version of him at Odisha FC which has helped him earn a spot in the probables list. He has scored one goal and created one assist in 17 matches so far this season.

Isak Vanlalruatfela

Isak is another Odisha FC player who has made it to the list of the probables for the very first time. The young winger has matured a lot in terms of his gameplay and decision-making under the tutelage of Sergio Lobera. He is regular starter for his side and has scored five goals and provided four assists in 21 matches across all competitions this season.

Imran Khan

Imran Khan has been operating at the peak of his powers at Jamshedpur FC ever since the appointment of Khalid Jamil as the new head coach. The attacking midfielder is one of the best Indian players in the league in terms of creating chances. He has scored two goals and assisted two in 15 matches this season.

Amey Ranawade

Amey Ranawade is the third Odisha FC player in this list. The right-back made a strong comeback after joining Odisha FC and has been very solid and consistent for the Juggernauts. He contributes in both attack and defense. Amey is among the top assist providers of the league this season with five assists to his name. Moreover, he has also scored a goal in the process.

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