India announce 28-member probables squad for Kolkata camp ahead of Hong Kong & Thailand clashes

The Blue Tigers drew their last game against Bangladesh

Blue Tigers head coach Manolo Márquez, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, announced the 28-member probables squad that will assemble in Kolkata on May 18, to train for the FIFA International window in June.

India are on the preparation path for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers, where they are placed in Group C, along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, and Singapore, with the qualifiers being played in a home-and-away round robin format.

The Blue Tigers’ next big challenge is against Hong Kong, China, who they will play away on June 10 at the Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon City. The first two matches in Group C, between India and Bangladesh in Shillong, and between Singapore and Hong Kong, China, in Singapore, ended in stalemates, leaving all four teams with a point apiece.

As part of their preparations for the Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, the Blue Tigers will have a 10-day training camp in Kolkata, before they fly off to Bangkok to play a FIFA International Friendly against Thailand on June 4. The team will subsequently travel to Hong Kong, for their Asian Cup qualifier.

Also Read: Indian Men’s Football Team Full Schedule & Fixtures for 2025

Blue Tigers’ 28-member probables for Kolkata camp:

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh Chahal, Amrinder Singh.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, Anwar Ali, Thangjam Boris Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Head Coach: Manolo Márquez.Edmund Lalrindika later replaced Irfan Yadwad in the squad with the Chennaiyin FC forward being sidelined due to an appendix operation.

Concerns grow over Manolo Marquez’s future with national team

According to sources close to the situation, Marquez has found it difficult to establish rhythm and continuity in the national camp. Frequent last-minute changes, limited player availability due to club duties, and logistical hurdles have left the Spaniard frustrated.

“Manolo has found it challenging to fully settle into the international role. There are too many disruptions, from last-minute changes in plans to the difficulty of building continuity with players who return to club duty.

There are issues off the field, too. All this has made the international job feel more fragmented than fulfilling,” a source revealed to Times of India.

“I have not heard anything about this,” AIFF deputy secretary-general Satyanarayan M was quoted speaking to Hindustan Time. “We have not had any discussion on this.

We are focusing on the June 10th game against Hong Kong and the friendly against Thailand in the lead-up to that match.”

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