Seven players omitted from India squad for Panama, Brazil and Uruguay friendlies
Khalid Jamil has named a 26-man India senior men’s squad for the September-October FIFA international window, with the Blue Tigers scheduled to face Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in three friendlies and seven members of his previous squad left out of the selection.
The new squad arrives ahead of a challenging set of fixtures against high-profile opposition, prompting notable changes from Jamil’s earlier group and the inclusion of several younger and newer options as the coach reshaped his roster.
Defensive omissions include centre-back Sandesh Jhingan and defender Rahul Bheke. Jhingan is described as an experienced centre-back who provides leadership and composure and whose partnership with Anwar Ali combines physical presence and experience with Anwar’s composure and ability on the ball. Bheke is noted for his aerial strength, defensive clearances and versatility to operate at centre-back or right-back, attributes the article says also make him a dressing-room leader.
Right-back and wing-back options were affected by the exclusion of Nikhil Poojary. The report notes Bijoy Varghese and Valpuia are alternative options at the position, while Poojary’s ability to play as an attacking right wing-back, his overlapping and underlapping runs, and established combinations with Ryan Williams and Lallianzuala Chhangte were cited as reasons his omission is notable; his familiarity with Akash Mishra was also mentioned as a potential defensive-coordination benefit.
Midfielder Jeakson Singh, who the article says has been a regular in India’s setup and was included in Jamil’s previous preliminary squad, has not been retained in the 26-man list; his capacity to provide defensive cover and break up play was highlighted as a key part of his past role for the national team.
Two attacking wide players, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Liston Colaco, were also omitted. Chhangte was described as one of the fastest players in Indian football with the ability to create and score, operate wide and threaten on transitions, while Colaco was cited for his pace, close control, dribbling and one-on-one ability that can progress the ball from wide areas.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was left out despite an impressive Durand Cup showing for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, including two penalty saves in the semi-final shootout against NorthEast United FC and a clean sheet in the Kolkata Derby, and the article notes that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Albino Gomes, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill and Som Kumar were selected in the squad instead.
India will meet Panama on 26th September in Bengaluru, before facing Brazil and Uruguay on 3rd and 6th October respectively at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata, with Khalid Jamil serving as head coach for the friendlies.
