Sandesh Jhingan says he was ‘disappointing’ after being left out of India’s 26-man squad for Panama, Brazil and Uruguay friendlies
Sandesh Jhingan said it was "disappointing" to be omitted from India’s 26-man squad named by head coach Khalid Jamil on 31st August, 2026 for the Sept-Oct international window that includes friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay. "When I saw the list, of course, it was disappointing; I was full of emotions; it was a human reaction (about his exclusion)," Jhingan told TOI.
The 33-year-old centre-back, who plays for FC Goa and served as India’s captain, has been part of the national setup since his 2015 debut. He has accumulated over 77 caps and scored six goals for the Blue Tigers, which contributed to questions around his omission from the latest selection.
Jhingan has captained India in recent matches, including the two friendlies against Tajikistan in June 2026 and in the Unity Cup earlier this year, and featured in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup where India finished third. He has repeatedly played through injury for the national side, including with a torn knee against Syria in the AFC Asian Cup and with a bandaged head against UAE in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, and said: "Anyone who has seen me play for the National Team knows how much I love representing my country."
Khalid Jamil’s 26-player list contained other notable absences, with Rahul Bheke and Lallianzuala Chhangte also missing from the squad. Team India will host three World Cup-participating nations during the upcoming international window as part of the friendly programme.
The opponents named are Panama, Brazil and Uruguay, who are listed at FIFA rankings 44, 5 and 20 respectively in the source. The announcement notes that Brazil will be the highest FIFA-ranked national team India will face in their history.
Responding to his exclusion, Jhingan acknowledged the setback and set out his response: "In life, there are always ups and downs. I respect the coach’s decision. But as a player, I know what I have to do next: work harder to become a better footballer, a better version of myself. In life and my career, I have learned that the only way forward is through hard work. When the coach sits down to select the next team, I want to be in contention."
Jhingan also commented on the forthcoming fixtures, calling them "a great opportunity for us as a national team to provide inspiration and hope to the fans," and added: "A good result here can create positivity and bring everyone together. The team has the potential. I will always remain a passionate supporter of the team." India will face Panama (ranked 44), Brazil (ranked 5) and Uruguay (ranked 20) in the Sept-Oct international window.