Mahesh Gawali names India U20 23-player squad for AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualifiers

India U20 head coach Mahesh Gawali has named a 23-player squad for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Tashkent from August 31 to September 6. The squad was finalised after a selection process that began in June.

More than a hundred players were assessed since trials began in Bengaluru in June before the final 23 were chosen. The 30-player group that travelled for the Singapore friendlies was trimmed ahead of the qualifiers. From that earlier list, eight players were released for technical or injury-related considerations.

The eight players released are Shuhaid Koya Thangal PS, Arshvir Singh, Ashik Adhikari, Dallalmuon Gangte, Levis Zangminlun, Agastya Bhat, Nirupam Gowda H and Yohaan Benjamin. Daniyal Makakmayum has been added to the final 23-player roster.

Gawali’s side played four friendlies earlier this month as part of their preparation, defeating Singapore twice by 3-0 and 1-0, drawing 0-0 with Yemen, and securing a 1-0 victory in the second match against the West Asians. Those matches formed the main match practice ahead of the qualifying window.

The coaching and support staff named with the squad are head coach Mahesh Gawali, assistant coach MG Ramachandran, goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi and strength and conditioning coach Anugrah Suresh. The staff will travel with the team to Tashkent for the qualifying matches.

The Blue Colts will arrive in Tashkent on Thursday afternoon and are drawn in Group B. The group winners and the seven best runners-up across all eight groups will qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.

India open their Group B campaign against Syria on August 31 at 16:30 IST, meet hosts Uzbekistan on September 3 at 19:30 IST, and conclude the group stage against Bangladesh on September 6 at 16:30 IST.