Top three players who can breakthough for India in CAFA Nations Cup 2025

India are set to make their maiden appearance in the CAFA Nations Cup.

In what will mark a massive moment of transition, the Indian Football Team will participate in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 with a new manager at the helm. After more than a decade, an Indian has taken over the Indian national team. Khalid Jamil, the former India international, has recently been appointed as the head coach. This will be his first assignment, amid all the chaos going around in Indian Football.

The Blue Tigers have a depleted side with some key players missing. Mohun Bagan Super Giant have decided not to release any player for the tournament, citing their preparations for the AFC Champions League 2. Indian internationals like Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, and Deepak Tangri are not available. There’s another massive omission as Sunil Chhetri has not been included in the team.

Amid all these selection headaches, the fans are doubtful about India’s chances in the tournament. However, India still have players who can carry the team on their shoulders and make an impact. In this article, we will look into the top 3 players to watch out for India in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

Also Read: Khalid Jamil announces India national team squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025

Hrithik Tiwari

The 23-year-old FC Goa goalkeeper has made an entry into the Indian team for the first time. On the back of a magnificent 2024/25 Indian Super League, Hrithik Tiwari has secured his opportunity to wear the Indian jersey. The young goalkeeper will keep the pressure on the veteran Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who has not been in the best of form for the Blue Tigers in recent times.

Hrithik kept an amazing 7 clean sheets in 17 ISL appearances last season. His form in the Super Cup continued as the FC Goa custodian went on to keep another two clean sheets, leading the Gaurs to their Super Cup title. With a new manager coming in, fresh faces are looking to open the doors for themselves. Tiwari would aim to establish his place in the team and earn the No.1 role with Gurpreet entering the later phase of his career.

Nikhil Prabhu

One of the most exciting names in the Blue Tigers squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 is Nikhil Prabhu. The 24-year-old Punjab FC skipper has significantly raised the standard of his game. The leadership of the club bestowed upon him at such a young age is evidence of his sheer importance in the team.

Nikhil Prabhu has evolved to be a commander in the centre of the park. The defensive midfielder has an assertive presence, helping the team to gain control in the midfield. Playing against sides like Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan would test India’s ability to dictate the proceedings. Against physically dominant sides like Iran, a sturdy midfielder will be a huge asset for Khalid Jamil. Prabhu’s role will be crucial in an Indian midfield that lacks experience.

Jithin MS

NorthEast United FC’s meteoric rise in the last two seasons has a lot to do with this individual. The 27-year-old Jithin M.S. has been at the forefront of creating chances for the Highlanders. He has been a menace to the opponents, predominantly on the right.

In the last two seasons, Jithin has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists, making him an integral part of Juan Pedro Benali’s plans. In the national team, Lallianzuala Chhangte is expected to be preferred on the right wing, but there is ample opportunity for Jithin to come from the bench and produce moments of brilliance. The star highlander’s ability to slot in on the left wing will add to the options available for the coach.

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