India's combined XI after CAFA Nations Cup & AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India finished third in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 but narrowly missed out on qualification to the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026.

The results in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 and AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers have given Indian Football a glimmer of hope. For Indian Football fans, the last two weeks have been a rare period of joy. The Indian senior men’s team finished third in their maiden CAFA Nations Cup appearance, whereas the U23 team put on an impressive show in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The performance of the U23 players has sparked a discussion as to whether they should be fast-tracked by Khalid Jamil to the senior national team ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore in October. In this article, we will try to build a combined XI with players from both the senior team and the U23 team to analyze how the Indian team might look going ahead.

India’s Combined XI (433 – False 9)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Goalkeeper)

The Indian U23 goalkeeper Sahil Poonia was one of the star performers for India in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, but would not be able to overshadow India’s ‘No.1’ Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The experienced Indian custodian scripted a glorious comeback to the national team with a heroic campaign in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

He was an authority between the sticks with some jaw-dropping saves and his ability to marshal the defense. When the occasion warranted him to step up and show his true potential, he showed up in style. Gurpreet made the penalty save in the bronze medal match against Oman that secured India’s third-place finish.

Ricky Meetei (Right-back)

The first youngster from the U23 team to break through in this combined XI will be Rickey Meetei. The 19-year-old right back was one of the standout performers for India. He contributed to India’s incredible run in the qualifiers with his solid defending and sharp attacking instincts.

Ricky kept the defense intact, not giving the opposition player any space to create lethal goal-scoring chances from the left, while also ensuring that he advanced. His overlapping runs and link-ups on the right side helped India utilise the width of the pitch.

Bikash Yumnam (Centre-back)

The Indian U23 skipper Bikash Yuman will also feature in this combined XI on the back of his remarkable show in the defense. Bikash was one of the primary reasons India came close to making their way to the AFC U23 Asian Cup for the first time.

He led the defensive unit with his assertive presence in the backline. Bikash provided solidity to the Indian team, especially against sturdy West Asian sides like Bahrain and Qatar. His physicality was one of the striking aspects of his game, something that Indian players usually lack.

Also Read: Three positives and two negatives from India’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign

Anwar Ali (Centre-back)

The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 was the occasion that allowed Anwar Ali to take the giant leap and assume the responsibility of India’s defense. Sandesh Jhingan’s injury in the game against Iran resulted in his ouster from the tournament, which could have proved catastrophic had it not been for Anwar’s mature performance.

After Sandesh departed from the tournament, Anwar paired up with Rahul Bheke and did his job to perfection. He had no issues pairing up with a new centre-back partner as he continued his form and fit into the centre-back duo seamlessly.

Muhammad Uvais (Left-back)

The 27-year-old Punjab FC left back made an indelible impact in his debut tournament for India. Muhammad Uvais was called up for the first time by the newly appointed coach Khalid Jamil and received his first start in the tournament opener itself, against Tajikistan.

Uvais did not look flustered at all and soaked up all the pressure in his debut game, proving that he has the caliber to play at the international stage. His form continued throughout the tournament. He was defensively resolute and played with composure while in possession of the ball.

Lalrinliana Hnamte (Defensive midfielder)

The midfield was one of the biggest positives for India in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The Indian midfielders turned heads with their performance. One of the consistent performers for India in the midfield was Lalrinliana Hnamte.

The Chennaiyin FC lad played brilliantly in the deep-lying midfield. He shone with his impressive game awareness and ability to anticipate the movement of the opposition. Hnamte disrupted several budding opposition attacks with his neat and timely challenges. A trait that Khalid Jamil would like to have in his team.

Vibin Mohanan (Centre midfielder)

Vibin Mohanan was one of the late bloomers in the qualifying campaign for India. He got his opportunity in the later phase of the qualifiers but made the most of it by scoring a hat-trick against Brunei. Vibin was sharp with his movement and the progression of the play from his side was incredible.

The young midfielder scored a free kick as well, which has been rare from an Indian midfielder in recent times. The senior team lacked creativity in the midfield in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, and to fill that gap, Vibin Mohanan can be a great option for Khalid Jamil.

Lalremtluanga Fanai (Centre midfielder)

The Bengaluru FC midfielder was another shining light in the Indian midfield in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Lalremtluanga Fanai excelled in the role of a central midfielder who made contributions both in defense and going forward.

Fanai’s passing was assured, and he looked calm on the ball. To assist Hnamte in the deep-lying midfield, he would drop and make his impact with tackles while also linking up with the attack to create chances.

Muhammed Suhail (Right-wing)

One of the few uncontested positions in this combined XI will be the right wing. Muhammed Suhail owned the right wing for India in the qualifiers. The youngster has the ability to straightaway walk into the senior team, considering the inconsistent performers from the forwards in the senior team.

Suhail was a menace on the right wing and gave a tough time to defenders from Qatar and Bahrain. He took on the defenders with ease, as his pace and trickery were too much for the opponents. Suhail was spot on with converting the goal-scoring chances, which is not that common in the senior national team.

Macarton Louis Nickson (False 9)

The No.9 role was one of the downsides for both the senior team and the U23 team. Irfan Yadwad had a disappointing CAFA Nations Cup while Parthib Gogoi struggled to adapt to the striker’s role. But one bright prospect that emerged from the qualifying campaign was NorthEast United’s young sensation Macarton Louis Nickson.

He has shown that he can flourish in the attacking midfield while linking up with the No.9 as well. These qualities make him an ideal prospect to play as a false 9. His ability to create spaces and pick precision passes would make him a deadly false 9.

Mohammed Sanan (Left-wing)

Another member of the U23 team to feature in this combined XI would be Jamshedpur FC’s electric left winger Mohammed Sanan. The 21-year-old was a treat to watch in the qualifiers. His blazing runs on the left wing caught the attention.

Sanan also made a lethal duo with Suhail on the other wing, and both combined well to make India a formidable attacking force. Like Suhail, Sanan was also rapid on the wings, and his crosses put the opposition under constant pressure. The senior team would only benefit from the presence of a player like Sanan in the lineup.

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