In a decision that has sent shockwaves through Indian football, newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil has made the bold choice to exclude legendary striker Sunil Chhetri from his first national team camp. The 48-year-old tactician, who became the first Indian coach to lead the Blue Tigers in 13 years, has revealed his strategic reasoning behind this surprising omission ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.
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The Dawn of a New Era
A new era has just begun for Indian football, and this time, it is Khalid Jamil, who is at the helm of affairs for the senior India men’s national team – an Indian coach taking charge of the Blue Tigers’ dressing room for the first time in 13 years. The national camp commenced on Independence Day (August 15) at the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru, marking the beginning of what many hope will be a transformative period for Indian football.
The absence of Sunil Chhetri, India’s record goalscorer and captain, from the 35-player provisional squad has raised eyebrows across the footballing fraternity. However, Khalid Jamil’s explanation reveals a calculated approach rather than an impulsive decision.
Jamil’s Diplomatic Yet Strategic Explanation
“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,” said Jamil.
The new head coach was quick to emphasize that this exclusion doesn’t signal the end of Chhetri’s international career. “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. I had a talk with him about the same. It’s always a pleasure to have a player like him in the team.”
The Context Behind the Decision
India’s Recent Struggles
India’s recent international performances have been concerning, with the team currently sitting at the bottom of AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Group C with just one point from two matches. The Blue Tigers have managed only a goalless draw against Bangladesh at home and suffered a disappointing 0-1 defeat away to Hong Kong.
| Tournament | Opponent | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers | Bangladesh (H) | 0-0 | March 2025 |
| AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers | Hong Kong (A) | 0-1 | March 2025 |
Chhetri’s Return and Performance
Having announced his international retirement in June 2024, Sunil Chhetri came out of retirement in March 2025 at the request of the previous head coach, Manolo Marquez. Despite his return, India’s attacking woes persisted, and the team failed to capitalize on his experience and goal-scoring prowess.
The Experimentation Strategy
Khalid Jamil’s approach reflects a long-term vision rather than short-term fixes. The CAFA Nations Cup 2025, where India will face Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan in Group B, serves as the perfect testing ground for this experimental phase.
Tournament Schedule and Opponents
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| August 29 | Tajikistan | Hisor, Tajikistan |
| September 1 | IR Iran | Hisor, Tajikistan |
| September 4 | Afghanistan | Hisor, Tajikistan |
“Playing against stronger teams like Tajikistan and Iran will definitely be beneficial for us to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers,” Jamil explained, highlighting the practical benefits of this tournament for India’s development.
New Faces and Returning Stars
The squad announcement revealed several interesting choices beyond Chhetri’s exclusion:
Key Returns and Inclusions
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu: The experienced goalkeeper returns after being previously overlooked
- Akash Mishra: Back in the squad after recovering from injury
- Sunil Benchamin: Surprise inclusion from Indian Army, reflecting Jamil’s willingness to look beyond traditional ISL selections
Missing Players
Thirteen players remain unavailable due to ongoing Durand Cup commitments, including key figures from Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC.
| Club | Missing Players |
|---|---|
| Mohun Bagan SG | Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Apuia, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Vishal Kaith |
| East Bengal FC | Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, Mahesh Singh Naorem |
The Bigger Picture: Asian Cup Qualifiers
However, the newly-appointed India head coach has his sights set on the AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifiers, where India will face Singapore in the October FIFA International Window (October 9 in Singapore and October 14 in India), in their Group C encounters.
These crucial fixtures against Singapore represent must-win encounters for India to keep their Asian Cup qualification hopes alive. Jamil’s experimental approach in the CAFA Nations Cup aims to identify players who can contribute to these vital matches.
Jamil’s Philosophy and Approach
The new head coach has emphasized a step-by-step approach to rebuilding the team. “We must do the simple things first and go step by step. We are treating these as friendly games, but I want to take players who are fit. When I say fit, I mean the players who will play must be 100 per cent fit,” Jamil stated.
His commitment to team unity and preparation is evident: “The important thing is that we remain united as a team, because this will be India’s first-ever participation in the CAFA Nations Cup, and it will be a good opportunity for us to play stronger opponents.”
The Personal Touch: Jamil-Chhetri Conversation
Perhaps most importantly, Khalid Jamil revealed that he had personally discussed this decision with Sunil Chhetri. “I had a talk with Chhetri about the same. It’s always a pleasure to have a player like him in the team.” This personal approach suggests a mutual understanding rather than a unilateral decision that could create friction.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Indian Football
Jamil’s decision represents a calculated risk that could pay dividends in the long run. By prioritizing experimentation over experience, he’s signaling his intent to build a team capable of competing at the highest level beyond the current cycle.
The coach’s emphasis on fitness and form over reputation could establish a new culture within the national team setup. “My doors are always open to everybody. Whoever is doing well will be selected,” Jamil declared, setting clear performance-based criteria for selection.
Read More: East Bengal Triumph 2-1: Diamantakos’ Masterclass Sinks Mohun Bagan in Electric Derby Thriller
FAQs
Why did Khalid Jamil exclude Sunil Chhetri from the Indian football team camp?
Jamil explained that he wants to experiment with other players during the CAFA Nations Cup, which serves as preparation for the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. He emphasized it’s not permanent and “the door is always open” for Chhetri.
When will Sunil Chhetri potentially return to the Indian national team?
Jamil hasn’t specified a timeline but indicated that Chhetri could return based on team needs and performance. The next major fixtures are the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October 2025.
Who are the new faces in Khalid Jamil’s first squad?
Notable inclusions include Sunil Benchamin from Indian Army, Alex Saji from Hyderabad FC, and the return of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Akash Mishra to the national setup.
What is the CAFA Nations Cup and why is it important for India?
The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 is being held in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, featuring eight nations. This is India’s first-ever participation, and it serves as crucial preparation for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
How has India performed recently in international football?
India is currently bottom of AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Group C with just one point from two matches – a 0-0 draw against Bangladesh and a 0-1 loss to Hong Kong, highlighting the need for tactical changes.
