Indian football team players who returned to set up under Khalid Jamil

Khalid Jamil-era has begun for the Indian Football Team.

Ahead of India’s AFC Qualifier encounter against Singapore in October, the Indian football team will take part in and compete in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. After a long wait, AIFF announced that former Jamshedpur FC coach Khalid Jamil will take over the reins of the national team for the next two years.

For his first assignment in Central Asia, the Kuwait-born gaffer has named his list of probables for the CAFA Nations Cup, which is scheduled to begin later this month. The Blue Tigers will face off against some good opponents, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

Khalid’s list of probables saw many players, who were excluded from the national team, making a comeback as the Jamil era ushers in. Senior players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and many others have been called on for the national team camp that has begun in Bengaluru.

In this article, we shall find out the list of players who are making a comeback into the national team and find out if they have a serious chance to make it to the playing eleven under Jamil.

Also Read: No Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet back as Indian football team camp begins under Khalid Jamil

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu returns in National colours

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After Sunil Chhetri’s retirement, many speculated that the first Indian to feature in a UEFA Europa League game to take on the captaincy. But, in a shocking turn of events, he found his name missing from the national team during the camp held in March and June.

He last featured for the Indian team back in November last year when India played a 1-1 draw against Malaysia. Despite his recent dip in form, there is no slightest hesitation in admitting that Sandhu is still one of the best goalkeepers in India, and there have been numerous occasions where he has single-handedly carried the national team in big games.

Akash Mishra and Jeakson are back in defence

The Mumbai City FC defender also found his name in the national team probables after a long wait. Akash has previously donned the national team jersey and has consistently performed for the Islanders. In the absence of Tekcham Abhishek, Mishra might even start for India in the left-back position.

Jeakson made a lot of headlines after East Bengal signed him for a record-breaking fee. His ability to play possession-based football and provide defensive stability in the midfield makes him a handy option for Khalid. Whether Khalid continues with the Apuia-Wangjam pair or Jeakson will be given a chance, it will be interesting to see.

Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa make comeback

In Khalid’s style of football, midfielders play a vital role in orchestrating the game. Many veteran midfield maestros are back in the national team, as Khalid is known for building a squad combining experience and youth flair.

Mohun Bagan’s midfield duo of Sahal and Thapa are back in the national team. Sahal seems to be fit and has been in fine form with the Mariners so far in the Durand Cup. Thapa has also started every single game for the Mariners and even found his name in the scoresheet.

If Khalid prefers experience, we might see both Thapa and Sahal making it to the playing eleven. The 29-year-old central midfielder from Srinagar is making a comeback to the national team after three long years, after featuring against Belarus and Bahrain back in 2022.

Jithin, Rahul and Rahim are back in Chhetri’s absence

The Durand Cup 2024 Golden Ball winner Jithin MS, who played a pivotal role in helping the Highlanders clinch their first-ever silverware, has been called to the senior team. He is a live wire on the flanks and has pace and acceleration that are unmatched, along with his exceptional shooting abilities.

Rahul KP was recently seen donning the West Ham United jersey while representing the Hammers at the TST Cup. Rahul even found his name in the scoresheet after finding the back of the net for the London-based outfit. It is unlikely that Rahul will start, given that Manvir and Jithin might be preferred.

Rahim Ali is also making a comeback to the national team after three long years. The 25-year-old Indian prodigy from West Bengal featured in every single game for the Juggernauts last season under Sergio Lobera and even scored two goals.

Indian Football team list of probables for the camp

Goalkeepers: Vishal Kaith (Mohun Bagan Super Giant), Albino Gomes (Jamshedpur FC), Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (Bengaluru FC), Amrinder Singh (Odisha FC), Hritik Tiwari (FC Goa)

Defenders: Anwar Ali (East Bengal), Jeakson Singh (East Bengal), Akash Mishra (Mumbai City FC), Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa), Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC), Chinglensana Singh (Bengaluru FC), Valpuia (Mumbai City FC), Alex Saji (Hyderabad FC), Naorem Roshan Singh (Bengaluru FC), Boris Singh (FC Goa), Sunil Benchamin

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa (Mohun Bagan Super Giant), Lalengmawia Ralte (Mohun Bagan Super Giant), Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan Super Giant), Suresh Singh Wangjam (Bengaluru FC), Udanta Singh (FC Goa), Danish Farooq Bhat (Kerala Blasters), Mahesh Singh Naorem (East Bengal), Deepak Tangri (Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Forwards: Manvir Singh (Mohun Bagan Super Giant), Lallianzuala Chhangte (Mumbai City FC), Rahim Ali (Odisha FC), Rahul KP (Odisha FC), Irfan Yadwad (Chennaiyin FC), Vikram Pratap Singh (Mumbai City FC), Jithin MS (NorthEast United FC), Ashique Kuruniyan (Bengaluru FC), Liston Colaco (Mohun Bagan Super Giant), Manvir Singh (Jamshedpur FC)

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