After playing out a 0-0 draw against Kuwait on home soil, India have now landed in Qatar for their final Round 2 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Fixture. The 23-man squad for the big match has now been announced by head coach Igor Stimac, with only a few changes.
Sunil Chhetri retired after the game against Kuwait and will play no further part in the national team’s games. To replace him, David Lalhansanga has been brought in. On the other hand, Amey Ranawade has dropped out, with Vikram Partap Singh coming in. Subhashis Bose and Lalchungunga have dropped out of the team altogether.
India’s squad for Round 3 deciding match against Qatar revealed
AIFF have announced their 23-Member Squad for the upcoming game against Qatar in Doha!
— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) June 8, 2024
Everyone will travel except four players. They are (just retired ©️) Sunil Chhetri, Subhasish Bose, Amey Ranawade, and Lalchungnunga! #QATIND #IndianFootball #BlueTigers #FIFA pic.twitter.com/4nw2cPNRDP
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh, David Lalhlansanga.
The squad has landed in Doha and will now prepare for their game on June 11. India must win to guarantee a second place finish in their group, which would let them qualify for Round 3. Qatar have opted to rest a number of their best players, giving the Blues a glimmer of hope to seize the opportunity.
If they draw, they will need Kuwait vs Afghanistan to end in a draw as well, if they are to qualify. But a loss will end all hopes of making it to Round 3, regardless of the outcome elsewhere.
