How can the Indian football team line up for their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Hong Kong?

Ryan Williams is likely to make his debut for India

The Indian football team is already eliminated from the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers as they can no longer finish on top of their group.

However, the Blue Tigers are still playing for pride as they look to finish the group stage with at least one win.

Khalid Jamil has picked his squad for the game against Hong Kong that will be played on 31st March in Kochi.

Here are the players who we think would be a part of the Indian football team’s starting XI.

Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC)

The goalkeeping spot will be decided between Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Vishal Kaith. The latter has kept three clean sheets in 6 ISL matches, however, it seems like Khalid Jamil is favoring the experienced Sandhu, who has been a constant at Bengaluru FC.

Leftback – Naorem Roshan Singh (Bengaluru FC)

The Bengaluru FC leftback has become a constant in the Blues’ lineup since bursting onto the scene in 2020. Roshan’s versatility also allows him to play on either side of the central defenders.

Aside from his defensive contributions, Roshan Singh also has a knack of creating chances and putting up long balls that the forwards can run on to.

Centreback – Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa)

Sandesh Jhingan is arguably one of the best defenders that India has ever produced. The FC Goa captain is unbeaten in the ISL so far this season and his side has conceded just three goals in six league games.

Having turned 32, ideally Jhingan would definitely like to make the most of the upcoming four-year cycle and help the Indian football team reach the next AFC Asian Cup before he hangs up his boots on the international level.

Centreback – Anwar Ali (East Bengal FC)

Anwar Ali has become the heartbeat of East Bengal’s defense since joining the club last season. The defender has played a huge part in the Red and Gold Brigade’s resurgence.

Aside from the defensive aspect, Anwar also has 2 goals and 1 assist to his name in 6 ISL games. His presence in the back will be very important for Indian team.

Rightback – Abhishek Singh Tekcham (Mohun Bagan SG)

The 21-year-old moved from Punjab FC to Mohun Bagan SG over the summer and has instantly become a part of the starting XI. Abhishek has been dribbled past just once this season and he has 44 recoveries and 10 interceptions to his name in 6 ISL matches.

Abhishek Singh has also notched up an assist on the attacking front out of the 10 chances that he has created.

His creativity is something that the Indian football team desperately needs as they are lacking goals at the moment.

Defensive midfielder – Apuia (Mohun Bagan SG)

Probably India’s best midfielder over the past few years, Apuia has once again shown his prowess in the ISL this season. He has played the entirety of Mohun Bagan SG’s six games and has a pass success rate of 92%.

The 25-year-old brings calmness to the midfield, and we can expect him to do the same with the Indian football team as well.

Defensive midfielder – Jeakson Singh (East Bengal FC)

East Bengal have had a decent start to their 2025-26 ISL season and Jeakson Singh has played almost every minute of their campaign.

The midfielder has become a regular in the Indian set up and given that he is just 24-years-old, the best part is that there is still a lot he can learn as he grows in his career.

Left midfielder – Ashique Kuruniyan (Bengaluru FC)

Having made his return to Bengaluru FC over the summer, Ashique Kuruniyan has been a regular in the Blues’ starting XI. The 28-year-old has started all six ISL games and has two goals and one assist to his name.

The Left midfielder can play on the wings and if needed, can contribute as a wingback as well, which would help Khalid Jamil tinker his tactics in the later part of the game.

Right midfielder – Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC)

Lallianzuala Chhangte is one of the few Indian players who has managed to score more than one goals in the ISL this season. The Mumbai City skipper has 3 goals in six appearances and he is the top scorer for his club in the league this season.

He has become a constant in the Indian side, Chhangte is arguably one of the best players in the country at the moment. His speed and off the ball runs will greatly help India against Hong Kong

Forward – Edmund Lalrindika (East Bengal FC)

The East Bengal player has been in a good run of form, having scored 2 goals and 2 assists in 6 ISL games this season. Prior to his move to the Red and Gold Brigade, the versatile forward played a key role in leading Inter Kashi to the I-League title.

Lalrindika is 26 years old and is entering the prime of his career. A good performance will cement his place in the starting XI for the long term.

Forward – Ryan Williams (Bengaluru FC)

Ryan Williams has made a name for himself in Indian football since joining BFC in 2023. Now that all the formalities are done and the forward has received his Indian passport, Williams could be making his debut for the Indian football team against Hong Kong.

The 32-year-old still has a good 4-5 years in him to help guide the Blue Tigers until someone takes up the goalscoring mantle.

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