Which players were dropped from India’s probable squad for Malaysia international friendly?

These players failed to make the cut for the friendly against Malaysia.

The squad for the Indian football team’s forthcoming friendly match against Malaysia was announced on Tuesday, the 5th of November. 

India’s head coach Manolo Marquez named 26 probables for the upcoming FIFA international friendly against Malaysia to be played on November 18 at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. 

The announcement of the latest squad has also brought about a hotbed for discussion, as the new squad sees a lot of names missing from the National team’s previous expedition. 

So today, we take a look at the players who have been dropped from the Indian football team squad for the friendly game against Malaysia. 

Sahal Abdul Samad

Sahal was not a part of the squad for the National team in October’s friendly against Vietnam, being out due to an injury.

The midfielder has however been dropped by Manolo Marquez this time around, as new additions have been made in the midfield with the introduction of Jithin MS and Vibin Mohanan, both of whom have had quite an impressive season with their respective clubs so far. 

Sahal Abdul Samad’s start so far with Mohun Bagan has also been pretty decent, but his inconsistency for the National team might be a prominent reason for the head coach’s decision to try alternate options.

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Subhashish Bose

Subhashish is a regular starter for the National team in the backline and is a player with tons of experience under his belt. His exemption from the squad has surely stirred the fans, who are speculating on this decision by Manolo. 

Subhashish Bose has also started off the season quite well and has been an integral part of the Mohun Bagan squad. Also, apart from his defensive contributions, the player has three goals to his name, reiterating his aerial prowess. 

Lalrinliana Hnamte

Hnamte had quite a breakthrough season with Mohun Bagan last season, as the midfielder made his name for himself, and made a move to Chennaiyin FC, where he is now getting regular playtime. 

The player however hasn’t been able to show his best version so far at his new club and is still adapting to the change. Also, inclusion of a number of new players in the midfield might have not left Manolo with the flexibility of taking Hnamte in, who is still very young and has a long way to go with the Indian football team.

Nikhil Poojary

Despite a great start to the season with Bengaluru FC, Nikhil failed to make his way into the squad for the friendly against Malaysia mostly due to a hamstring injury. He was subbed off in the 53rd minute against Kerala Blasters and didn’t feature in the FC Goa game.

The decision might be a way for Manolo to try out different variations in the backline, to land on one that fits perfectly with his playing style and tactical approach. 

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