Five players Indian football team may need to move on from after the Tajikistan friendlies

India are currently on a four match winless run

The Indian football team have not been on a good run at all, managing just 2 wins out of last 12 matches since head coach Khalid Jamil took over the charge. The team looks completely out of place, and nothing seems to click correctly at this point.

With the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season ending on May 21, fans were excited about the national team playing in the Unity Cup 2026 in London and returning there after more than two decades. It was a perfect opportunity for Khalid Jamil and his coaching staff to begin a new cycle with younger players, especially with India already knocked out of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

However, Khalid Jamil instead decided to stick with some players who perhaps should have been left out. That does not mean he did not give opportunities to youngsters at all, we saw Pramveer perform very well in the last friendly. But the timing and overall approach did not quite feel right.

In this article, we take a look at list of players whose places in the squad may need to be reconsidered, particularly based on their performances during the Unity Cup 2026 and the Tajikistan friendlies.

Rahul Bheke

Rahul Bheke is one of the most experienced players in the current national team setup, with 50 international caps to his name, but he has not looked convincing in recent games at all.

The 35 year old played the last four matches as a centre back and often looked all over the place. From conceding silly goals in the Unity Cup to struggling in the Tajikistan friendlies, things simply have not clicked for him lately.

With players like Pramveer and Bijoy already breaking into the national team setup, it looks very difficult for Rahul Bheke to hold on to his spot. However, Khalid Jamil appears to prefer him, especially because of his long throw in ability.

But, it is high time for the national team to move on from Rahul Bheke and begin a new cycle with players like Pramveer and Bijoy.

While age is a factor, it is not the only factor. Sandesh Jhingan and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu have continued to perform at a high level despite being in their 30s. Ultimately, it comes down to the performances Rahul Bheke have produced in recent matches.

Nikhil Poojary

Nikhil Poojary is another player who has looked completely out of place in recent games. The 30 year old right back was a player who initially did well for India, but his recent performances have been nothing short of disappointing.

It has mostly been the right side where India have conceded goals or found themselves in trouble during the Unity Cup and Tajikistan friendlies, highlighting the struggles of both Rahul Bheke as the right sided centre back and Nikhil Poojary at right back.

India should look to move on from Nikhil Poojary at this point and for now, it may be time to move on, at least for the next couple of months.

Roshan Singh Naorem

Roshan Singh Naorem perhaps comes as a surprise inclusion on this list, but it is time that India starts looking ahead of him.

The 27 year old Bengaluru FC player, who is versatile and can play as a left back, right back, midfielder and even a winger, was at one point considered one of the prodigy in the ISL. However, he seems to have completely lost that now.

Keeping in mind that Khalid Jamil did not use him much during this international window, and even when he was given opportunities he looked off the pace, India may need to start looking beyond him.

However, he is another player who should certainly be considered again if he performs well in the league and earns a call up on merit. But based on the last four matches, it may be time to move on for now.

Lallianzuala Chhangte

Lallianzuala Chhangte is another surprising name on this list, and perhaps the player whose exclusion could be questioned the most. However, when it comes to the national team, he just does not seem to click at the right time.

The 29 year old winger from Mumbai City FC was considered the player who would lead India after Sunil Chhetri, like the next star of Indian football.

While he has certainly delivered in the ISL, his performances for the national team have not quite matched expectations. In 56 appearances for India, he has found the back of the net only 9 times and has often struggled to make a significant impact.

Therefore, he should probably be given a break, with other players getting an opportunity in his place. Chhangte should not be kept out of contention permanently, but a temporary break from the national team could benefit both him and the national team.

Perhaps when he is in the right space, he can return and make a stronger impact if called up again, especially considering his recent performances for India.

Jeakson Singh

Jeakson Singh is a player who simply does not look well-prepared to represent the national team at this point. The East Bengal FC midfielder has not been good for India at all, and even in the ISL, Oscar Bruzon did not consistently use him as a starter for East Bengal FC.

Therefore, it may be time for India to start looking beyond him, especially considering the midfield options coming through the ranks, such as Ricky Shabong, Hnamte, Fanai and Macarton. Based on recent performances, giving more opportunities to these younger players could be the way forward.

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