How can the Indian U-23 football team line up for the U- 23 Tri-Nations tournament?

Three Bengaluru FC players could be part of the starting XI under Naushad Moosa

The Indian U-23 football team is set to play two games this month as part of the Tri-Nations tournament that will be played in Arunachal Pradesh. The India U-23 team will play Bhutan and Tajikistan on March 28th and March 31st respectively.

Matches are set to be played at Yupia and the squad has officially been announced.

Here are the players who could be part of the starting XI in the two games:

Goalkeeper – Mohanraj K (Chennaiyin FC II)

Playing for the Chennaiyin FC II team, Mohanraj has two caps for the Indian U-23 team already. The Tamil Nadu-based goalkeeper represented Sports Academy Tirur on a yearlong loan in 2025, making 15 appearances for the club in I-League 2.

Mohanraj has also played for Chennaiyin FC’s B team in I-League 2 and the RF Development league.

Leftback – Harsh Palande (Bengaluru FC II)

The left-back is part of the Bengaluru FC II team and has previously made 6 appearances for the Indian U-23 side. Harsh has made 10 appearances for the Junior Blues in the RF Development League. He has been on the bench for the senior team as well, but the youngster is yet to make his debut for BFC’s A team.

Centreback – Pramveer Singh (Punjab FC)

The 18-year-old Pramveer Singh has all it takes to become the next big thing in Indian football. The Punjab FC youngster is a centreback by trade and has been part of the Indian setup since his U17 days. Owing to his prowess, the player was also called up to the Indian national football team last year.

Pramveer has 17 appearances for Punjab FC since making his debut in the 2024-25 season and has been part of the club’s youth teams as well.

Centre Back – Dippendu Biswas (Mohun Bagan SG)

Dippendu Biswas has made 4 appearances for the Indian U-23 team and has been brought up from the Mohun Bagan SG second team. Overall, the centreback has made 18 ISL appearances and has played for the Mariners’ senior team in the Durand Cup and the Super Cup as well.

In terms of accolades, Dippendu has had a trophy laden career with two ISL Shields, one ISL Cup, and one Durand Cup already in the bag.

Rightback – Ricky Meetei (Bengaluru FC)

Ricky Meetei has been part of the Indian youth setup since the U17 stage. He has so far made 32 appearances for the Junior Tigers, including five appearances for the U23 side.

The defender is currently part of the Bengaluru FC setup and he made two ISL appearances for the Blues this season.

Aside from the Blues, Ricky was also loaned out to Odisha FC in the 2024-25 season, however, he didn’t make any senior appearances for the club.

Central defensive midfielder – Macarton Nickson (NorthEast United)

The 22-year-old plays as the CM with NorthEast United and has helped his side win back-to-back Durand Cup titles. Aside from the U23 setup, Macarton Nickson has also played for the Indian senior football team twice.

Nickson has made 56 appearances for NorthEast United in all competitions and has previously also represented Bengaluru United and Indian Arrows in the lower divisions.

Central midfielder – Lalrinliana Hnamte (Chennaiyin FC)

Having signed for Chennaiyin FC in 2024, Lalrinliana Hnamte has been a constant part of the club’s senior team. The midfielder has made 31 appearances for CFC and has also previously represented the likes of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, which further adds to his resume.

Hnamte has 66 ISL appearances under his belt has also won the ISL Shield, ISL Cup, and the Durand Cup once.

Central midfielder – Lalremtluanga Fanai (Bengaluru FC)

The 21-year-old is making a name for himself since getting promoted to BFC’s senior team in the 2023-24 season. Fanai has 53 appearances for the Blues, which includes 42 appearances in the ISL.

Owing to his consistency, the midfielder also got a chance to represent the Blue Tigers in a solitary appearance last year.

Left wing – Mohammed Sanan (Jamshedpur FC)

A graduate of RF Young Champs academy, Sanan rose to fame with Jamshedpur FC under Khalid Jamil. The 21-year-old has made 70 appearances for the Men of Steel, scoring 9 goals and getting 3 assists to his name. Sanan’s pace and skills have been widely noticed as the winger is definitely one to watch.

Right Wing – Thoi Singh Huidrom (NorthEast United)

The Manipur-born player is a graduate of Bengaluru FC’s youth setup and has since moved to NorthEast United. Thoi has made 38 appearances for the Highlanders, scoring 3 goals and grabbing 5 assists in all competitions.

The 21-year-old can play on the wings and as a centreforward, which would help Naushad Moosa to add flexibility to his formation and tactics.

Striker – Suhail Bhat (Mohun Bagan SG)

Playing the role of the striker would be Suhail Bhat, who has ample experience of playing for the Indian youth teams and he has also represented the Senior team once.

The Mohun Bagan SG player has 18 ISL appearances to his name but has been majorly employed as a substitute at club level.

Suhail Bhat has also represented the Indian Arrows in the past and has had a trophy-laden career at club level. Seeking more game time, the Tri-Nations Cup would be the perfect place for the player to take his game to the next level.

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