Khalid Jamil Announces 23-Member India Squad for New Zealand Friendlies
Three players from Naushad Moosa’s SAFF Championship 2026 squad have been included in Jamil’s selection. Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco will leave the ongoing tournament in Dhaka to join the senior national team for the New Zealand tour.
Meanwhile, Farukh Choudhary, Noufal PN and Hmingthanmawia Ralte have been released from the SAFF Championship squad and will return to their club, Mumbai City FC. Ronney Kharbudon will also miss the trip to Dhaka due to an injury.
The New Zealand-bound squad will assemble in Bengaluru on November 7. The players will hold a training session the following day before departing for Auckland later on Sunday night.
India’s 23-Member Squad for New Zealand Friendlies
The squad features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards.
Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Som Kumar, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Jithin MS, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Tomba Singh Haobam.
Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Edmund Lalrindika, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Muhammad Suhail, Ryan Williams.
Head Coach: Khalid Jamil.
Khalid Jamil Looks for Improvement Against World Cup Opponents
Speaking about the upcoming challenge, Khalid Jamil highlighted New Zealand’s quality and the importance of the two away fixtures for India’s development.
“New Zealand are also a World Cup-playing nation and a strong opponent, and these two matches will be a good test for us away from home. We want to prepare well, play with discipline and use this opportunity to improve as a team,” Jamil said.
The Indian head coach will look to use the international window to assess his squad and build greater consistency against strong international opposition. The two matches in New Zealand will be an important test for the Blue Tigers as they continue their preparations for future international competitions.
