India vs Tajikistan: How should Indian football team line up for CAFA Nations Cup opener?

India will play their first match in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on August 29.

Indian Football Team will embark upon their CAFA Nations Cup 2025 adventure on August 29 when they take on Tajikistan in their first match. The Blue Tigers are beginning a new era under an Indian manager for the first time in more than a decade. Khalid Jamil has taken over the India team in times of uncertainty and chaos. The CAFA Nations Cup will be his first assignment, and he would desperately want to make an instant impact.

India are placed in Group B alongside the co-hosts Tajikistan, IR Iran, and Afghanistan. Khalid Jamil has picked a 23-member squad for the tournament. All eyes will be on Jamil as fans wait for his tactics to unfold against Tajikistan. In this article, we will look into India’s predicted starting XI against Tajikistan.

Also Read: India to play their first match in CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on August 29; check full schedule

India Predicted XI vs Tajikistan

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Khalid Jamil has ensured the comeback of the veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The Bengaluru FC custodian has been out of favour recently. His form has been on a dip, but Jamil has shown faith in the experienced campaigner. Sandhu has produced a lot of notable performances in the national colours, and it is time for him to regain his lost form.

Hmangthanmawia Ralte

The 25-year-old right back from Mumbai City might start for India against Tajikistan. The last 12 months have caused a major shift in Valpuia’s career. He has become a regular starter at Mumbai City FC. The Mizoram player is defensively sharp and has the skills to go into advanced positions and create attacking outlets. With Khalid Jamil at the helm, who likes early deliveries in the box, Valpuia can be crucial for India.

Sandesh Jhingan

In the absence of some experienced names in the squad, Sandesh Jhingan’s importance has been amplified now. He will be in charge of the Indian backline as the most experienced defender. The biggest positive is his performance against Al Seeb in ACL 2. Jhingan was one of the best performers for the Gaurs, leading to a historic Group Stage qualification. Team India will require his leadership qualities, besides his defensive brilliance

Anwar Ali

Partnering Sandesh in the central defense will be Anwar Ali. He has become an integral part of the national team and will be eager to impress Khalid Jamil in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. Anwar is coming on the back of the Durand Cup campaign for East Bengal. He also scored a goal in the semi-final.

Muhammad Uvais

Until the end of the last season, Muhammad Uvais was playing under Khalid Jamil for Jamshedpur FC. The left-back was an integral part of Jamil’s plans. Uvais appeared in an impressive 24 matches in the previous ISL season, clocking more than 2000 minutes. The newly appointed head coach is expected to prefer his trusted man for the left-back position against Tajikistan.

Nikhil Prabhu

Nikhil Prabhu is one of the revelations in the last two seasons. The Punjab FC captain has evolved as a player, and his role in the defensive midfield will be crucial for India. The 24-year-old has a calm head and a sturdy presence in the centre of the park. India will play against tricky opponents in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, and Prabhu might emerge as one of the most important players for the Blue Tigers.

Suresh Singh

The Bengaluru FC midfielder might be the other part of the double pivot alongside Nikhil Prabhu. Suresh Singh has gone under the radar in the last few months. Khalid Jamil’s arrival is a perfect opportunity for him to establish his presence in the team. Suresh will be relied upon to progress the game in the midfield.

Lallianzuala Chhangte

This is arguably the most important name in the Indian squad. To impress in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, India will have to score goals, and the best bet for India to score is Lallianzuala Chhangte. The left-footed right winger is one of the most consistent goal scorers in Indian Football in the last few seasons. In the absence of Sunil Chhetri, the expectations hinge on Chhangte to up the ante with goalscoring output.

Naorem Mahesh Singh

Naorem Mahesh Singh will be the attacking outlet on the right wing. The silky winger has registered two assists and a goal in the Durand Cup. His linkup with Naorem Roshan Singh on the left can give Tajikistan defenders a tough time.

Ashique Kuruniyan

An unlikely name in the No.10 role. Ashique Kuruniyan generally plays on the wings or in the centre of the attack. But the absence of names like Sahal Abdul Samad and Brandon Fernandes might prompt Jamil to try Ashique in a new role. Certain traits in Kuruniyan’s gameplay will help him ace this role. His ability to drop and link up with other players will be important in the No.10 role. Ashique, as No.10, will also allow team India to transition to a 4-4-2 as he might push up to join the striker.

Irfan Yadwad

Khalid Jamil has worked with Irfan Yadwad in the past. The centre-forward played under Jamil in the 2022/23 season at FC Bengaluru United. The newly appointed head coach must be aware of Yadwad’s abilities as a No.9. For Irfan Yadwad, this will be a big challenge as he is expected to fill in the boots of Sunil Chhetri.

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