Khalid Jamil reveals reason behind Sunil Chhetri's absence from India's probable squad for November FIFA window

India will play against Bangladesh on November 18.

India, after crashing out of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, are looking at a rebuild but, in all likelihood, will not have the services of the veteran Sunil Chhetri, as he opts out of the national team selection. As reported by the Hindustan Times, Khalid Jamil has decided to respect the decision of the veteran, excluding him from the camp.

The Blue Tigers are preparing for their upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh on November 18. India will travel to Dhaka for the clash, but Sunil Chhetri will not travel with the squad. He informed Khalid Jamil of his decision, confirming that his second stint with the national team is apparently over.

India move past Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, who is the third-highest active goal scorer in international football, will not be seen in action when India take the field against Bangladesh on November 18. The Blue Tigers were knocked out of the AFC Asian Cup last month after their loss to Singapore. That defeat has pushed India and the head coach to make a transition and build a new team for the upcoming cycle of qualifiers.

Sunil Chhetri had announced his retirement from international football in 2024, but had to return as the former India coach Manolo Marquez nudged him to wear the Indian colours again. However, his second stint with the national team did not end on a positive note. The former India captain could only score a solitary goal in six appearances.

With young faces emerging, Jamil is looking to provide them with more opportunities to shine. However, the national team coach values the Indian legend’s contribution and has kept the door open for him if he wants to return and lead the line.

Also Read: Ryan Williams & Abneet Bharti join Indian Football Team camp ahead of Bangladesh clash

No Mohun Bagan players

In another major move, Khalid Jamil has not called up Mohun Bagan players to the camp. He cited the late arrival of the Mariners to the national camp as the reason for their exclusion. Last month, Mohun Bagan did not turn up for the national team camp as directed by the coach and joined late, hampering the preparations.

Mohun Bagan denied the players from joining the camp last time around as the FIFA International Window had not started, and clubs are not obligated to release players beyond the window. Taking a precautionary step this time, Jamil has only called up those players who can join the camp from the first day.

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