Indian football team: ISL clubs with most players called up for March international window 2025

ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan have most representatives in the Indian football team.

The Indian football team is set to face Maldives and Bangladesh in the upcoming March international break. The game against the Bangla Tigers in particular will be important as it marks the start of India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 – third round qualifier.

Ahead of the matches, Indian football team head coach Manolo Marquez has shortlisted the squad of 26 players that was announced earlier this week. Here are the clubs that will be sending players to the national camp for the upcoming games.

Mohun Bagan – 7 players (Vishal Kaith, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Ashique Kuruniyan, Apuia, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco)

As expected, the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield winners, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have the most representatives in the Indian squad. All seven players can be considered as starters, however, all eyes will firmly be on Vishal Kaith as he has been given a chance to become India’s first choice goalkeeper for the coming years.

Bengaluru FC – 5 players (Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam)

There was a surprise in store for everyone when the squad was announced as Indian football team’s leading goalscorer Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement. Rahul Bheke has also enjoyed a great season with Bengaluru FC and should be a part of the starting XI for the Blue Tigers.

FC Goa – 4 players (Boris Singh Thangjam, Sandesh Jhingan, Ayush Chhetri, Brison Fernandes)

Since he also coaches FC Goa, Manolo Marquez knows the four shortlisted players inside-out. Sandesh Jhingan is expected to lead India’s defense-line once again while Brison Fernandes has been one of the best Indian players in the ISL this season.

Mumbai City FC – 4 players (Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandez, Valpuia, Mehtab Singh)

Lallianzuala Chhangte is no stranger to the national team, but his current ISL season has not been up to expectations. Mehtab Singh and Valpuia on the other hand have both impressed in the Mumbai City jersey this season and could be brought on in the upcoming games for the Indian football team.

Chennaiyin FC – 2 players (Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary)

Chennaiyin FC have had a disappointing ISL campaign under Owen Coyle, however, one huge positive for them is the emergence of Irfan Yadwad. The youngster made his international debut for the Indian football team against Malaysia last month and is expected to be in the mix to start the game once again this March.

East Bengal – 2 players (Jeakson Singh, Mahesh Singh Naorem)

There were high expectations from East Bengal, however, the Red and Gold Brigade failed to live up to the hype after a horror start in the ISL. Mahesh Singh Naorem in particular has impressed since the turn of the year and his prior International experience could come in handy in the upcoming games for the Indian football team.

Odisha FC – 1 player (Amrinder Singh)

Amrinder Singh has not had the best of seasons with Odisha FC, however, the experienced shotstopper has made the cut once again. With Gurpreet Singh Sandhu not in the mix, the 31-year-old will have the lead charge of the goalkeeper union in practice and off the field.

NorthEast United – 1 player (Gurmeet Singh)

Gurmeet Singh got the nod from Manolo Marquez after the goalkeeper impressed for NorthEast United in the ISL this season. Apart from the league, Gurmeet also played an important part in the Highlanders’ Durand Cup triumph last year.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.