Khalid Jamil Stands Firm On India Squad Choices

India coach says merit, performance drove senior players’ omissions

India head coach Khalid Jamil has strongly defended his decision to leave several established players out of the squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama, insisting that his 26 probables were selected purely on merit after everyone was given an “equal and adequate chance”.

Former India captain Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Lallianzuala Chhangte, FPAI Player of the Year, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, Golden Glove winner at the recently-concluded Durand Cup, Liston Colaco and East Bengal midfielder Jeakson Singh were among the notable omissions from the squad announced earlier this week.

“I have selected players according to their merits and performance. It’s not like we have selected 26 players. We don’t have to take all of them. If someone isn’t performing well, he will go back within two days. It’s not like I didn’t give anyone a chance. I saw everyone. Whoever deserves to be there, I gave him a 100% chance,” Jamil told PTI in an interview.

“And whoever got a chance but didn’t perform, he will get another chance. Here there are no seniors or juniors. So we have to do a mix. So it is a balanced team. I believe in the players. All the players are mature enough,” he added.

Jamil Focuses On 2027 Asian Cup

Jamil said the sweeping changes were part of India’s long-term plan to build a squad capable of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.

“Many changes were made because we are building a team for the future. Our main target is next year, in 2027. Asia Cup qualification. Overall, whatever the football requirement is, we will do it. Even set-pieces, we have to be good. Attacking, defending,” he said.

The coach stressed that India must improve across all phases of the game, including their ability to quickly transition from attack to defence.

“Then, after attacking, comeback, defense. So, overall, we have to be good in all situations,” he emphasised.

“Everybody must be strong in defensive and attack as well. Take responsibility as a player. Pressure will be there for the players. Before this, we have to attend the camp.”

India Ready For Tough Friendlies

With India preparing to face three higher-ranked opponents, Jamil said he would not commit his team to a single formation and would instead adapt according to the circumstances of each match.

“Yes, we have to decide. It’s not that we will stick with one. We will see according to the situation. 3-4-3, 5-4-1, whatever you say. We will see. According to that, we will play. It’s not that we will stick to one plan. We have to be a stronger team. We have to be strong defensively,” he said.

Despite the quality of the opposition, Jamil insisted India would enter the matches with a winning mentality rather than simply attempting to limit the damage.

“Yes, we will go for a win. We will never aim to concede a few goals. We will never think like this. It is not like that. And I know that we are playing with a good team. Yes, you have to raise your level.”

Jamil also pointed to India’s recent competitive outings against strong opposition as evidence that the team is capable of competing at a higher level.

“Talking about my players, we played with Iran, Oman, and high-ranking Tajikistan on their home ground. They did not qualify. We came in the final. We did well against Zimbabwe. And with Jamaica also, we have done Tajikistan.

“So we played with good competitive matches. It’s not that the team has been doing badly of late.”

Jamil Hails Chhetri As India’s No. 1

Jamil also paid a glowing tribute to former India captain Sunil Chhetri, calling him the country’s all-time number one player and urging the current generation to follow his example.

“Yes, we need a player like Sunil. I saw Sunil’s behaviour. Everybody must set the example of Sunil. I haven’t seen a player like Sunil. While playing, a disciplined boy. And his hunger is still there,” he said.

“All the strikers and players must follow Sunil’s example. Yes, we miss him. I miss him definitely. When he was there, I enjoyed the game. I used to watch him. Off the field, outside the field. Sunil Chhetri is India’s number one.”

Jamil said Chhetri’s professionalism and attitude were qualities India needed more of as it builds for the future.

“Talking about his behaviour. I have seen Sunil. We need more players like him. If we have such players, we can do well.”

No Chhetri Return Against Brazil

Despite his admiration for Chhetri, Jamil ruled out bringing the retired striker back for a farewell appearance against Brazil.

“I don’t think it is the right time to call him back. I don’t think it is advisable. Because we are building a new team. I don’t want to mix,” Jamil said.

The coach also stressed that Chhetri’s decision to retire must be respected.

“I didn’t force him. We must give him respect. Everybody must follow him. I don’t want to confuse him. I don’t want to confuse him. We talked about this. He has already decided,” he signed off.