Five players who can break into Indian football team under Khalid Jamil

Khalid Jamil is currently the head coach of the ISL outfit Jamshedpur FC.

The Indian football team are set to be ushered into a new era after the appointment of Khalid Jamil as their new head coach. Jamil becomes the first Indian coach since Savio Medeira (2012) to take charge of the Blue Tigers, as he will be determined to help them qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup as part of his responsibilities.

The Indian football team are likely to be shaken up after the arrival of an experienced coach like Jamil, who knows Indian football inside and out.

A former India international himself, Khalid has the experience of coaching and getting the best out of Indian footballers for over a decade and doing so with his own distinct playing style.

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Jamil also has his own favorites which he might aim to promote to the Indian side. That is because there are certain players who understand his playing style perfectly and know exactly how to implement his tactics to frustrate opponents. As a result, here we look at five players who can now break into the Indian football team under Khalid Jamil.

Also Read: Why does Khalid Jamil being India’s next head coach make sense?

5. Muhammad Uvais

Muhammad Uvais earned a big-money move to Punjab FC this summer, but he has a lot to thank Khalid Jamil for his rise.

The 27-year-old is a versatile player who predominantly plays as a left-back, but can also operate as a right-back and even as a centre-back. Uvais played in a variety of different roles at Jamshedpur FC under Jamil, playing in all their 24 Indian Super League (ISL) matches in the 2024-25 season.

Uvais even operated as a wing-back at times, providing solid attacking support and creative threat. He is an excellent man-marker and someone who can help his backline hold together a sturdy shape.

Uvais knows exactly what Jamil desires of him in his system, and his impressive performances over the last few years mean he has a strong chance of receiving an India call-up soon.

4. Imran Khan

Imran Khan has become a bit of a favoured player for Khalid, who has worked with him at NorthEast United as well as Jamshedpur FC.

Khan featured in 24 ISL games for the Men of Steel in the 2024-25 season, providing three assists. He has proven himself as a jack of all trades for Khalid Jamil’s side, being able to slot himself to play in either wing or even as a central midfielder if required.

Khan’s dedication in games, energetic presence, versatility, and creative threat have made him such a beloved player for Jamil, and the 30-year-old might finally get his due at the international level now.

Considering how well Imran has fit into Jamil’s system at Jamshedpur, showcasing his offensive and defensive qualities, it won’t be a surprise if he becomes a regular feature in the India squad going forward.

3. Ashutosh Mehta

Ashutosh Mehta has Khalid Jamil to thank for his successful return to Indian football after serving out a suspension, with the 34-year-old performing really well in the 2024-25 ISL campaign.

Mehta has a long-standing bond with Jamil, having played under him at Mumbai FC, Aizawl and NorthEast United as well! Mehta is a highly experienced defender who has over 200 appearances under his belt and made 86 appearances in the ISL as well.

He is a hard-working, sturdy defender who always puts in his 100% to help his side defend strongly, something which Jamil loves about him.

With the right-back position seemingly being up for grabs in the India starting XI, perhaps it could be high time for Ashutosh to make his return to international football after a four-year absence and having only one India cap under his belt.

2. Albino Gomes

Albino Gomes has been playing under Khalid Jamil since their time at Aizawl FC, when they helped them win the 2016-17 I-League title. It was Khalid Jamil who decided to sign Gomes for Jamshedpur FC in the 2024 summer window after seeing him impress in the I-League for a few years before that.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper kept four clean sheets in 24 ISL games in the 2024-25 season, often coming up with some vital saves to help his side get key results.

Gomes’ performances against Mohun Bagan in the ISL semifinals were especially impressive, showing how good a shot-stopper he can be. Even though Vishal Kaith has become the new India no.1, his unconvincing performances leave room for the likes of Gomes to compete for the goalkeeper role. Albino knows Jamil’s defensive structure and requirements perfectly, and he could be in line for an international debut in the near future.

1. Mohammed Sanan

Mohammed Sanan was one of the breakout young players of the 2024-25 ISL season and a really entertaining player to watch for Jamshedpur FC.

The 21-year-old winger scored three goals in 24 ISL games last season, which included some beautiful goals against Mumbai City and Mohammedan SC as well.

Sanan is a promising winger who is filled with pace, an impressive dribbling ability, and that special spark in creating as well as scoring goals from unpredictable positions.

He has the defensive qualities to sustain himself in Jamil’s system, knowing exactly what the gaffer requires his wingers to do.

Sanan can be a key aspect of the counter-attacking style that Jamil might look to employ and can quickly break through into the Blue Tigers squad under the Indian gaffer.

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