India weigh selection options ahead of friendly with Uruguay in Kolkata
India will meet Uruguay in an international friendly at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on 6 October 2026, the final match of the September–October FIFA international window.
India arrive after a historic draw with the 44th-ranked Panama and a 0-4 defeat to Brazil, while Uruguay travel with a squad named by manager Diego Forlán that includes Darwin Núñez, Ronald Araújo and José María Giménez; Forlán is a former Mumbai City FC player now in charge of the Uruguayan national team.
Goalkeeper selection could be decided by recent form: Gill came on in the second half against Brazil and produced calm handling of crosses and set pieces despite conceding twice, and his second-half display contrasts with a few early-game errors from Gurpreet that the coaching staff must consider.
On the right flank Abhishek Singh is expected to start after an accomplished defensive showing against Brazil that left Vinícius with zero successful dribbles in the first half, while Anwar Ali remains central to India’s defensive structure despite a mistake that led to Brazil’s second goal and otherwise made interceptions and commanded the backline.
Pramveer is in contention to replace Bijoy Varghese after Bijoy’s struggles and an error that led to India conceding a third goal; Pramveer, introduced as a substitute against Brazil, added fresh legs and physical presence late in the game. Jay Gupta’s energetic work on the left — including forward runs and set-piece presence — provides an alternative there despite some lapses in the last match.
Anirudh Thapa, who came into the last starting eleven in place of Ricky Shabong, was among India’s best performers against Brazil with pressing, interceptions and linking play, and Apuia complemented him with possession retention, timely tackles and the ability to recycle the ball; the Thapa–Apuia pairing is projected to anchor midfield duties.
In attack, Edmund has been used off the bench to add intent and directness though he has struggled to connect in the final third, while Ryan was India’s primary attacking threat against Brazil and nearly scored before a clearance off the line; Manvir Singh continued as the central forward, offering hold-up play, aerial presence and service to teammates such as Ryan Williams. Sanan’s second-half creativity, dribbling and defensive tracking suggest he could replace Ashique in the starting XI.
The India vs Uruguay friendly kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at VYBK Stadium in Kolkata; the match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD and Sony Aath SD & HD (Bengali) and streamed live on Sony LIV.
