Top five in-form Indian players not called up for March international window 2025

David Lalhlansanga and Abhishek Singh missed out on a spot in the Indian football team squad despite good performances in ISL.

The latest 26-man Indian Football team squad announced ahead of the March international break fixtures against the Maldives and Bangladesh have created a lot of chatter amongst fans. The biggest bombshell is that Sunil Chhetri is back in the squad, having decided to come back from international retirement to help the national team.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is one of the major names snubbed by Manolo Marquez for the Indian Football team squad. However, the gaffer has also avoided a few in-form Indian players in his 26-man squad. There are some individuals who have impressed in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign but failed to get rewarded with a place in the squad.

These players have showcased impressive consistency with their performance as well as ability to perform strongly against the best of teams. Here we look at the top-5 performing players to have been snubbed from the Indian Football team squad.

5. Nikhil Prabhu

Nikhil Prabhu has enjoyed a pretty solid 2024-25 ISL season, despite the inconsistency that plagued Punjab FC’s chase for the playoffs spot. The 24-year-old has been a sturdy and proactive defensive midfielder for the Shers. He showcased his qualities in being able to cover a lot of distance and having the in-game IQ to make key challenges to disrupt opposition attacking moves.

Prabhu has made more interceptions (56) than any other player in the ISL and has also made 80 possession recoveries in 20 games. He’s also averaged 35 passes a game, showing his ability to move the ball around swiftly. Despite having all the traits to excel under Marquez, he ended up missing the call-up and keeps waiting for his dream of debuting for the Indian Football team.

4. Imran Khan

A major favourite for Khalid Jamil at Jamshedpur FC, Imran Khan has been enjoying an admirable 2024-25 campaign to help them get into the ISL playoffs. He has managed three assists in 23 games so far, adding a lot of efficiency and penetrativeness to his side’s movement through the central areas. Khan is a versatile asset who can play centrally or out wide with ease, and has made 34 key passes this season too.

Not just that, but the 30-year-old is a hard-working player who has made 77 possession recoveries so far in the ISL campaign. He could’ve definitely added something different to India’s playing style, be it with his creative delivery or ability to win key duels in midfield. Despite his bright performances, Imran has again been snubbed and must work harder to get into the Indian Football team squad.

3. Abhishek Singh

Abhishek Singh has been one of the breakout stars of the 2024-25 Indian Super League campaign, exciting fans with his proactive performances. The 20-year-old has made that left-back spot his own at Punjab FC, helping them keep two clean sheets in 21 games and showcasing a lot of positive energy on the pitch.

The full-back has made 46 interceptions, 133 possession recoveries and won 82 duels in this campaign. Despite producing impressive statistics and frustrating many prominent attacking palyers, Abhishek could not get a place in the Indian Football team squad. Marquez might want him to gain more experience, even though the 20-year-old’s performances shows that he’s ready to get international exposure as soon as possible.

2. David Lalhlansanga

If one were to determine the best ‘super subs’ in the ISL, David Lalhlansanga’s name would be among the top ones. The 23-year-old forward has been a diligent and dedicated figure for East Bengal, never complaining about having to come off the bench and always giving his all. He’s scored four goals in the ISL, with three of them coming as a substitute. Lalhlansanga is averaging a goal under every 120 minutes, showcasing how clinical and decisive he can be with putting chances away.

He could’ve definitely been a unique asset for the Indian frontline, especially if played as an impact substitute teo torment tired defenders. Chhetri’s return might’ve directly impacted Lalhlansanga’s place in the Indian Football team, as he’ll have to work even harder to break into the Indian camp.

1. Isak Vanlalruetfela

Isak Vanlalruetfela is enjoying a highly prolific 2024-25 Indian Super League campaign with Odisha FC, being one of the most efficient figures in the frontline. The 23-year-old has managed to score three goals and provide five assists in 20 appearances so far.

Isak has shown his ability to get into the right spaces to score key goals and has nailed his delivery into the final third, with his five assists coming from only 17 chances created. He can not only work hard but is terrifying with the ball in his feet, being able to move it past defenders with his blistering runs and also timing his off-the-ball runs perfectly.

Despite his impressive numbers and bright performances, Isak has shockingly been snubbed by Marquez for the squad. His inexperience might be a factor, but Indian Football team could’ve definitely done with a fresh, unpredictable talent like Isak for the upcoming matches against Bangladesh and Maldives.

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