Players who made comeback to Indian national team ahead of Singapore clash in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

This is a do-or-die clash for the Blue Tigers

The Indian national football team had to take the tougher route of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 after the Blue Tigers suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Qatar in the final fixture of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Their Asian pursuit kick-started catastrophically after picking up just a solitary point in the first two fixtures against Bangladesh and Hong Kong.

The Indian football team saw a managerial overhaul after Khalid Jamil took over the reins from Manolo Marquez. The miracle man of Indian football worked his wonders instantly. The team that failed to register a single win in 2024 went on to clinch the bronze medal in the CAFA Nations Cup after defeating teams like Tajikistan and Oman.

Khalid named his 23-member travelling squad to Singapore for the AFC Qualifier match. We take a look at the players who have made a comeback into the national team.

#BlueTigers head coach Khalid Jamil names India’s 23-member travelling squad to Singapore for the #ACQ2027 game on October 9 🇸🇬⚔️🇮🇳More details 🔗 https://t.co/yUzgzqjgc7#SGPIND #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/11THWdYDkc

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) October 5, 2025

Sunil Chhetri

The captain, leader, legend came out of retirement earlier this year. Qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 was the reason that made him don the Indian jersey again. Despite Chhetri pouring his heart and soul, the Blue Tigers failed to even score a single goal against Bangladesh and Hong Kong.

His exclusion in the CAFA Nations Cup squad raised a lot of eyebrows, but Khalid clarified that Chhetri is still in his plans for the AFC Qualifiers and later on kept his word. His experience will be key upfront for the Indian national team as the fans look up to the 41-year-old to for goals against Singapore.

Farukh Choudhary

The 28-year-old Indian striker from Maharashtra is making a comeback to the national team after almost six months. He was previously in India’s squad for the Bangladesh game and featured in the playing eleven as well. His last goal came against Vietnam in the 1-1 draw in the friendly clash, and he will be raring to go all guns blazing against Singapore.

Also Read: Singapore vs India lineups, team news, prediction & preview | AFC Asian Cup qualifiers

Brandon Fernandes

One of the most technically gifted and creative Indian players, Brandon, found his name excluded from the CAFA Nations Cup squad despite featuring against Hong Kong in the last AFC clash. The 31-year-old’s creativity in the midfield will be crucial for India to unlock the Singapore defense and score goals.

Rahim Ali

The Odisha FC forward is making a comeback to the national team after a long time. After a brilliant season with the Marina Machans, he made a move to the East Coast, joining the Juggernauts, but had an average season. He will be eager to make a mark in the upcoming window.

Liston Colaco

Mohun Bagan did not release Liston for national team duties in the CAFA Nations Cup as ACL 2 fixtures were around the corner. But the winger is now available for the national team, making a comeback for the Asian Qualifiers. He is set to play a crucial role on the wings as India eye netting their first goal in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Sahal Abdul Samad

The Emirati born attacking midfielder was not in India’s squad for the AFC Qualifiers and the CAFA Nations Cup. After recovering from injury, Sahal will be eager to don the national team jersey after a long while and be the X factor for Khalid Jamil.

Also Read: When and where to watch India’s AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Singapore?

Deepak Tangri

The defensive beast from Chandigarh has made just four appearances for the Indian national team. He had an impressive outing against Ahal FK in the opening AFC Champions League 2 fixture. Tangri might start for India against Singapore, alongside Nikhil Prabhu.

Macarton Nickson

Macarton was part of India’s U23 squad recently. The 21-year-old prodigy from Karnataka impressed massively in the ISL and played a pivotal role in helping the Highlanders retain their Durand Cup honours. He gave two assists in the Durand Cup, including the one against Diamond Harbour in the finals.

Gurmeet Singh

The 25-year-old custodian from Haryana has risen through the ranks of Hyderabad FC to join the Highlanders for his second stint. His reflexes and crucial saves not only helped the Highlanders clinch two back-to-back Durand Cup titles, but he is one of the few goalkeepers to win the Golden Glove award in the Durand Cup consecutively.

Pramveer

The 18 year old defender’s meteoric rise from U20 and U23 team to senior national team callup reflects Khalid’s belief in paving the path for a brighter future. The Punjab FC defender will be eager to share the dressing room alongside veteran players and become the next big thing for Indian football.

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