Star performers from India U23 squad called up for senior team camp ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

India will be back in action against Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in October.

After a historic AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifying campaign, the youngsters from the India U23 squad have got their reward from the senior men’s team head coach Khalid Jamil. In a groundbreaking selection announcement, Khalid Jamil has called up nine U23 players to the senior team camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Singapore.

India’s veteran striker Sunil Chhetri has also made a comeback to the squad, but it might be one of the rare occasions where a headline around him is overshadowed. The U23 players amazed all the Indian Football fans with their incredible, consistent outings in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Khalid Jamil has listened to the calls from the fans as he looks to integrate new faces into the senior team.

9 U23 players called up. ✅ Sunil Chhetri returns to the fold. ✅Khalid Jamil names 30-member probable squad for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier matches against Singapore in the October FIFA International Window! #IndianFootball #IndianFootballTeam #BlueTigers pic.twitter.com/4Oxgau8xT5

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 14, 2025

Also Read: Khalid Jamil announces 30-member probable squad for India camp for matches against Singapore

Muhammed Suhail

The biggest talking point after the recently concluded AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers was the goalscoring prowess that India displayed. The Indian fans were startled by the fact that the U23 players were taking on West Asian sides who are considered far more robust when it comes to physicality.

Muhammed Suhail was the star of the show for India. He was a menace on the wings for the opposition. Suhail scored two breathtaking goals against Bahrain and Qatar in critical stages of the game. He will bring new energy to India’s rusty attack.

Mohammed Aimen

Mohammed Aimen has also received a call-up immediately after his jaw-dropping brace against Brunei. The Kerala lad hogged the limelight in the last fixture with his two late goals that stunned the opposition and Indian fans alike. Aimen has an opportunity to make his case for the role on the left wing after disappointing outings from Ashique Kuruniyan in the CAFA Nations Cup.

Mohammed Sanan

Along with Suhail and Aimen, another winger who has received the call-up is Mohammad Sanan. The Jamshedpur FC winger has played under Khalid Jamil earlier. It was Khalid who gave him the opportunity in the Indian Super League, and he has done the same as the national team coach. It will be interesting to see if Sanan makes the most of the opportunity like he did for Jamshedpur.

Parthib Gogoi

Parthib Gogoi, who played as a striker for the India U23 team, will be a part of the camp. He had an underwhelming campaign in the qualifiers, partly because he was tasked with playing in a position that is not natural to him, but Khalid Jamil knows that Parthib has the potential to make it big.

Macarton Louis Nickson

Another highlander in the squad is Macarton Louis Nickson. The 19-year-old was a central figure in India’s attacking midfield, playing an instrumental role in serving the forwards with goalscoring opportunities. In the absence of Brandon Fernandes, Nickson might be groomed in that role.

Vibin Mohanan

The hat-trick hero against Brunei, Vibin Mohanan, has made his comeback into the team on the back of AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers heroics. He made his debut for India last year against Malaysia but could not keep his place in the squad. The exciting midfield prospect has been given another opportunity, and this time Vibin looks more prepared to grab the opportunity.

Also Read: Seven India U23 stars who merit a spot in senior team camp for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in October

Pramveer

Khalid Jamil has included the 18-year-old Pramveer in the squad. The Punjab FC centre back was aggressive in his approach and played with poise when he had the ball. These traits are worth their weight in gold on the international level. Pramveer would aim to continue the purple patch with an impactful debut stint with the national team.

Bikash Yumnam

The India U23 skipper, Bikash Yumnam, has been rewarded for his commendable performance in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. The centre-back, who recently signed for Kerala Blasters, displayed his leadership skills in the tournament. He was physically dominant and gave a tough time to opposition attackers.

Ricky Meetei

Completing the list of U23 players who have secured a call-up for the senior team is Ricky Meetei. The young right-back had a great time in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. He was defensively resolute, making the Indian defense a tough unit to break. Ricky also showcased his calibre to move forward on the pitch, using the width, to put in looping crosses while linking up with the wingers. Khalid Jamil likes these attributes, and he will be looking forward to making use of Ricky going ahead.

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