Top 5 players making comeback to Indian national team ahead of friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay & Panama
Several players from Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are back in national team camp.
India are set to play three big games in the FIFA September-October international window. The Blue Tigers will lock horns with five-time world champions Brazil, two-time world champions Uruguay and North American outfit Panama, who were recently part of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
In the calendar year 2026, the Blue Tigers have won just a solitary game against Hong Kong. After failing to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Khalid Jamil’s men finished at the bottom of the Unity Cup 2026 in London after defeats to Jamaica and Zimbabwe.
In the last two friendlies against Tajikistan, India remained winless. After almost a three-month break, the Blue Tigers will be back in action. But this time, the stakes are high as the most successful team in the history of the FIFA World Cup, Brazil, and the South American giants Uruguay will be in action.
Ahead of the friendlies, Khalid Jamil has announced his 26-man squad that will take the pitch against the World Cup-playing nations. While some big names have been dropped, many veteran players are making a comeback to the senior men’s team.
This is an opportunity for the players to redeem themselves. The global football fraternity’s eye will be on India, as a star-studded Brazil and Uruguay side are set to set foot on Indian soil.
In this article, we take a closer look at the top five players who are making a comeback to the Indian national team.
We find out their recent form and tactically analyse whether they can be a good fit for Khalid’s eleven to take on the footballing giants.
5. Prabsukhan Gill
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The Ludhiana-born custodian has been a pivotal part of the East Bengal team that recently won the Indian Super League and the Durand Cup.
The former Kerala Blasters keeper made a penalty save in regulation time against SC Delhi in the semi-finals and single-handedly propelled the Red and Gold Brigade to the Durand Cup final after making another brilliant save in the penalty shootout.
The 25-year-old will most likely be starting from the bench. However, given his current form, it will not be a surprise if he starts between the sticks for India against Panama in the Kanteerva.
4. Jay Gupta
Jay Gupta etched his name in golden letters after scoring that last-minute headed equaliser against Kuwaiti side Al-Arabi to propel East Bengal into the AFC Champions League 2 group stages.
Gupta made 10 appearances for the Red and Gold Brigade last season and had a decent campaign. The Pune-born fullback offers a rare blend of height and strength at the left-back position. It will be interesting to see if he gets a nod from Khalid to get some quality minutes against some tough opponents.
If given a chance, his biggest test, however, will be tracking the blistering raw pace of South American wingers.
3. Anirudh Thapa
The Dehradun-born midfielder was one of the most consistent players for Mohun Bagan under Sergio Lobera last season. The veteran Indian international, who has been part of several historic moments with the Blue Tigers, is making his most awaited return to the national team.
He featured in almost every single game for the Mariners, strengthening the midfield and offering defensive resilience in the middle of the park.
He brings tactical flexibility, and his primary asset is his high work rate at 28. Thapa, who has also worn the captain’s armband several times, provides crucial leadership experience.
2. Sahal Abdul Samad
Sahal scored the winner against the reigning champions of India, East Bengal, in the Kolkata Derby in the Durand Cup opener. He had a brilliant performance in the Durand Cup 2026, scoring a first-half hat-trick against the CISF Protectors.
Sahal is one of the most creative midfielders in India currently, and his quick combination play to turn smoothly under pressure makes him a vital asset.
He is a big match player, and his experience in the midfield will be crucial as Khalid Jamil’s men take on the American giants.
1. Tekcham Abhishek Singh
The 21-year-old is arguably one of the best Indian fullbacks in modern-day football. He also offers positional versatility by rotating between the two flanks.
He grabbed a lot of headlines after his move to Mohun Bagan at a whopping 6 crore, making him one of the most expensive young Indian defenders.
Tekcham uses his raw speed to accelerate and push high up the pitch, and his brilliant recovery speed allows him to track back wingers during transition phases.
Even at 21, he has shown immense maturity on the pitch with his ground duels and aerial clearances.
Which players are making a comeback to the Indian national team?
Prabsukhan Gill, Jay Gupta, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad and Tekcham Abhishek Singh are among the players returning to the Indian senior team.
Who is the head coach of India?
Khalid Jamil is the head coach of India.
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