Three India players facing last-chance tests under Khalid Jamil in September friendlies

Khalid Jamil has named an India squad to face Panama, Brazil and Uruguay in friendlies during the September-October international window, with fixtures set for September 25, October 3 and October 6. The Blue Tigers will host Panama before meeting five-time World Cup winners Brazil and two-time winners Uruguay.

Jamil’s selection combines experienced figures and emerging talents, a balance the coach describes as his strongest available squad for the upcoming ties against FIFA World Cup opposition. While many squad members will use the games for exposure to high-quality opponents, the coaching staff regard a handful of players as needing stronger performances to secure their places.

Ashique Kuruniyan has earned a call-up for the second time in 2026 after featuring in the 2-1 win over Hong Kong in the final game of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The 29-year-old winger scored three goals in the 2025-26 Indian Super League for Bengaluru FC but has only two goals for India since his debut in 2018, the last coming in a 1-1 draw against Singapore in September (2022). Kuruniyan has gone without a goal or assist for India in well over 10 appearances, and whether he starts all three friendlies is uncertain.

Irfan Yadwad returns to the national squad for the first time since the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, where he failed to score in any of India’s four matches while operating as the team’s number nine. The Chennaiyin FC forward has seven caps for India with zero goal contributions and scored twice in the 2025-26 ISL season; he is expected to be considered primarily for an impact substitute role in the upcoming games.

Mohun Bagan forward Manvir Singh has been recalled after missing India’s last four friendlies in May and June because of certain issues, and he provided an assist in India’s win over Hong Kong in March (2026). Manvir arrives off a Durand Cup campaign and a Calcutta Football League title and has seven goals in 49 caps for India; Jamil will probably closely monitor his duel-winning skills and ability to cope under intense pressure.

India will play Panama, Brazil and Uruguay on September 25, October 3 and October 6 respectively. Khalid Jamil is the head coach of India.