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

India will participate in the CAFA Nations Cup for the first time, starting on August 29.

The newly appointed head coach of the Indian national team, Khalid Jamil, has announced his squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. India have picked a 23-member squad for the tournament, which is slated to start on August 29. The Blue Tigers are placed in Group B alongside teams like IR Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

Earlier, Jamil had announced 35 players for the training camp that started on August 15 at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru. The list of probables for the camp made some surprise exclusions, like Sunil Chhetri, the most capped Indian player.

Khalid Jamil has announced the final squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu makes an imminent return to the squad! The Blue Tigers will kick off the campaign against Tajikistan on August 29! #IndianFootball #indianfootballteam pic.twitter.com/bN84LNPVXN

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 25, 2025

Mohun Bagan players unavailable for selection

The most striking aspect of this announcement is the absence of Mohun Bagan Super Giant players. Names like Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Deepak Tangri, Manvir Singh, and Liston Colaco will not be available for the tournament.

The club has refused to release the players, stating that they are not bound to release the players beyond the FIFA Window. Mohun Bagan are preparing for the AFC Champions League 2. The ISL champions will start their campaign in the tournament on September 16.

Things took an ugly turn when club officials recently accused AIFF of mismanaging players, leading to aggravation of injuries. The injury and subsequent unavailability of Subhasish Bose, the Mohun Bagan skipper, prompted an exchange of words between the federation and the club. He has been missing the action since the conclusion of the last Indian Super League season.

The club officials stated that Bose suffered an injury on national duty, while AIFF refuted the claim. To find a solution to this deadlock, Khalid Jamil reportedly reached out to Mohun Bagan management, requesting them to release the players, but there has been no change in the stance.

Opportunity for young faces

The final squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 has an interesting mix of young and experienced players. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has made a comeback to the Indian team as Khalid Jamil has chosen to include the veteran goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old FC Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari has secured his place in the national team squad. The talented custodian had an impressive last season in the Indian Super League. Amrinder Singh is another option in the squad for the goalkeeping role.

India’s defense has some predictable names, including the experienced Sandesh Jhingan, who will have the responsibility to marshal the defense against formidable opponents. His centre-back partner, Anwar Ali, is also in the squad.

The East Bengal centre back recently joined the camp after the Durand Cup campaign. The versatile Rahul Bheke is another familiar name in the squad who is expected to play either as centre-back or right-back. The full-back roles will see relatively new faces. Punjab FC left-back Muhammed Uvais will don the Indian colours for the first time. Valpuia and Naorem Roshan Singh have also kept their place in the squad.

Midfield is one area where India might struggle, as some senior players are not available for the tournament. Players like Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq, Jeakson Singh, and Borish Singh will be seen operating in the centre of the park.

There are no surprising calls from Khalid Jamil when it comes to wide forwards. The task of creating chances on the wings will be undertaken by the likes of Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Jithin MS, and Lallianzuala Chhangte.

The biggest void will be felt in the Number 9 role with Sunil Chhetri not in the squad. The young faces will be tested in that role in the 8-nation tournament. Jamshedpur FC striker Manvir Singh will make his debut in the team. Irfan Yadwad, who played his first international against Malaysia last year, is also in the team. Jamil has also trusted Vikram Partap Singh to make his impact in the striker’s role.

India’s squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia), Muhammed Uvais

Midfielders: Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Thounaojam Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh Thangjam, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh Kumam, Naorem Mahesh Singh

Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (Jr), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh

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