The dawn of a new era in Indian football has officially begun as newly-appointed head coach Khalid Jamil announced his maiden 23-member squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The Indian football team will embark on their debut campaign in the prestigious Central Asian tournament, marking Jamil’s first assignment since taking charge of the national side. The Blue Tigers are set to depart for Tajikistan in the early hours of Tuesday, August 26, as they prepare for their opening encounter on August 29.
This historic announcement comes after an intensive training camp at the Dravid-Padukone Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, where Jamil meticulously evaluated 35 probables before finalizing his squad. The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 will serve as crucial preparation for India’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Singapore in October, making every selection decision critical for the team’s future trajectory.
Table of Contents
Tournament Format and India’s Challenge
CAFA Nations Cup 2025 Tournament Structure
| Group A (Tashkent) | Group B (Dushanbe) | Tournament Format |
|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan (Host) | Tajikistan (Host) | 8 teams total |
| Kyrgyz Republic | IR Iran (Defending Champions) | 2 groups of 4 teams |
| Turkmenistan | Afghanistan | Top 2 from each group advance |
| Oman | India | Final in Tashkent, 3rd place in Dushanbe |
The Indian football team has been placed in Group B alongside defending champions Iran (FIFA Rank 20), hosts Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. This represents a formidable challenge for the Blue Tigers, who will be making their debut in the tournament after replacing Malaysia, who withdrew due to logistical constraints and player availability issues.
Khalid Jamil’s Strategic Squad Selection
Jamil’s squad selection reflects a careful balance between experience and youth, with several notable inclusions and exclusions that signal his vision for Indian football. The 48-year-old coach, who becomes the first Indian to lead the men’s national team since Savio Medeira in 2011-12, has emphasized unity and adaptability as key themes for his tenure.
“The players are professionals. Once they enter the ground, they are focused. For me, there is no excuse. Everyone is working hard. We will play as a team, adapt with whoever is available, and give opportunities for new players to prove themselves and become stars,” Jamil stated during the squad announcement press conference.
Complete Indian Football Team Squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Hrithik Tiwari |
| Defenders | Rahul Bheke, Naorem Roshan Singh, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais |
| Midfielders | Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Thounaojam Jeakson Singh, Boris Singh Thangjam, Ashique Kuruniyan, Udanta Singh Kumam, Naorem Mahesh Singh |
| Forwards | Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh (Jr), Jithin MS, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh |
The Chhetri Question: Strategic Exclusion
One of the most significant talking points surrounding Jamil’s squad announcement has been the exclusion of legendary striker Sunil Chhetri. The most capped Indian player, who came out of international retirement earlier this year, has been omitted from both the 35-member probables list and the final squad.
Jamil addressed this decision with characteristic diplomacy: “Sunil is a legend of Indian football. I have played against him, I’ve seen him play on numerous occasions, and he is one of my favourite players. He is a role model for Indian football, and the door is always open for him.”
The coach explained that the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 serves as a platform to experiment with other players before the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. “He’s not there in this camp because we are playing a tournament which will essentially serve as a preparation for our Asian Cup Qualifiers. I also want to try out a few other players during this FIFA window.“
New Faces and Fresh Opportunities
The squad features several debutants who will don the Indian colors for the first time. Muhammed Uvais, the Punjab FC left-back, headlines the list of newcomers alongside Manvir Singh Jr, Hrithik Tiwari, and others. These selections demonstrate Jamil’s commitment to expanding the talent pool and providing opportunities for emerging players.
Expressing his thoughts on the new faces, Jamil said, “The attitude of new players is very good.” This optimism reflects his belief in nurturing fresh talent while maintaining the squad’s competitive edge.
The Mohun Bagan Controversy
A significant challenge facing Jamil’s selection process has been Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s refusal to release their players for the tournament. The ISL champions have not made available key players including Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, Manvir Singh, and Deepaki Tangri, citing that the tournament falls outside the FIFA window.
The club’s decision stems from their preparation for the AFC Champions League 2, scheduled to begin on September 16, and ongoing disputes with the AIFF regarding player injury management. This situation forced Jamil to look beyond the traditional player pool, ultimately strengthening his squad’s depth and diversity.
Gurpreet’s Comeback and Defensive Stability
A major positive for the Indian football team has been the return of veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who makes his comeback to the national setup. His experience will be crucial in organizing the defense against high-quality opposition in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.
The defensive lineup features a mix of experience and youth, with stalwarts like Sandesh Jhingan and Rahul Bheke providing stability, while newcomers like Muhammed Uvais bring fresh energy to the backline. The versatile Rahul Bheke’s ability to operate both as a center-back and right-back adds tactical flexibility to Jamil’s plans.
Midfield Dynamics and Creative Challenges
The midfield selection presents interesting tactical possibilities, with established performers like Suresh Singh Wangjam and Danish Farooq Bhat anchoring the center of the park. The inclusion of Naorem Mahesh Singh and Jeakson Singh provides different tactical options, while the wide midfielders Ashique Kuruniyan and Udanta Singh offer pace and creativity on the flanks.
Jamil’s midfield choices reflect his desire to create a more dynamic and creative unit, essential for breaking down organized defenses in international football.
Forward Line Evolution
The attacking department showcases Jamil’s faith in emerging talent, with Irfan Yadwad, who impressed in his debut against Malaysia, getting another opportunity. The inclusion of Manvir Singh Jr and Vikram Partap Singh signals a shift toward a younger, more energetic forward line.
Lallianzuala Chhangte brings experience and versatility to the attacking unit, capable of operating across the front line. This diversity in attacking options will be crucial as the Indian football team faces different tactical challenges in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.
The Road Ahead: Match Schedule and Expectations
India’s campaign in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 begins with a challenging fixture against hosts Tajikistan on August 29, followed by the ultimate test against defending champions Iran on September 1, and concluding the group stage against Afghanistan on September 4. All matches will be played at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.
The tournament format ensures that the top two teams from each group progress to the playoffs scheduled for September 8, with the third-place match in Dushanbe and the final in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Preparation and Team Chemistry
Jamil has emphasized the importance of unity and team chemistry in his approach. “We must play as a unit,” he stressed, highlighting that collective effort will be more crucial than individual brilliance. This philosophy reflects his experience in Indian football, where tactical discipline and team cohesion often prove more valuable than individual flair.
The coach’s optimistic outlook despite missing key players demonstrates his adaptability and confidence in the selected squad. “Unavailability of some key players has not affected my plans as I prepare for my first international assignment,” Jamil stated, showing his readiness to work with available resources.
Historical Context and Significance
This tournament marks India’s debut in the CAFA Nations Cup, making it a historic moment for Indian football. As one of only two invited teams alongside Oman, India’s participation represents a significant opportunity to test themselves against Central Asian powers and gain valuable international experience.
The timing couldn’t be more crucial, with the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers looming large in October. India currently sits at the bottom of their qualifying group with just one point from two matches, making strong performances in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 essential for building momentum and confidence.
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FAQs
Who is in Khalid Jamil’s 23-member Indian football team squad for CAFA Nations Cup 2025?
The squad includes goalkeepers Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, and Hrithik Tiwari; defenders like Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, and debutant Muhammed Uvais; midfielders including Suresh Singh Wangjam and Danish Farooq; and forwards such as Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manvir Singh Jr.
Why was Sunil Chhetri excluded from the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 squad?
Khalid Jamil explained that Chhetri’s exclusion is tactical, aimed at experimenting with new players before the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The coach emphasized that “the door is always open” for the legend and he will be available for future selections.
When does the Indian football team play in CAFA Nations Cup 2025?
India plays Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. All Group B matches will be held at Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan.
Which teams are in India’s group for CAFA Nations Cup 2025?
India is placed in Group B alongside hosts Tajikistan, defending champions Iran (FIFA Rank 20), and Afghanistan. This represents a challenging group for the Blue Tigers’ tournament debut.
How many new players are making their debut for the Indian football team?
Several players will make their international debut, including Punjab FC left-back Muhammed Uvais, goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, and striker Manvir Singh Jr, reflecting Jamil’s commitment to expanding the talent pool.
