Bhubaneswar : India’s new football coach Khalid Jamil has announced a 35-member provisional squad for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, leaving out legendary striker Sunil Chhetri in a surprising decision.
Chhetri, who had returned from international retirement earlier this year, featured in four matches and scored once, but his name is missing from Jamil’s first probables list since taking charge. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has declined to comment on the omission, leaving fans and analysts speculating whether the move was based on fitness, form, or tactical strategy.
Camp Begins In Bengaluru
Training camp for the probables has already started in Bengaluru, with 22 players reporting so far. The remaining 13 will join after completing their Durand Cup commitments. While Chhetri has been left out, several of his Bengaluru FC teammates — including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Chinglensana Singh, and Suresh Singh Wangjam — are part of the squad.
India’s Fixtures In Group B
India has been placed in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup and will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. The third-place playoff and final are scheduled for September 8, with matches to be played in Hisor (Tajikistan) and Tashkent (Uzbekistan).
Preparing For Asian Cup Qualifiers
The AIFF has stressed that the CAFA Nations Cup will act as a vital build-up to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Singapore, urging clubs to release players without delay.
Chhetri’s absence, however, continues to overshadow the squad announcement, raising questions about whether Indian football is beginning to move past its long-time talisman.
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