The Indian men’s football team will enter a new era under head coach Khalid Jamil, the first homegrown coach of the side in over a decade, in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.
The Blue Tigers have been training in Bengaluru since August 15, with some players joining the national camp after their Durand Cup commitments.
However, the team does not feature India’s record goalscorer Sunil Chhetri.
Moreover, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has refused to release its players for the tournament, which is outside the FIFA international window, while the club also has AFC Champions League Two matches lined up later next month.
How can India line up in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025?
Goalkeeper — Gurpreet Singh Sandhu:
India’s most reliable No. 1 in the last decade, Gurpreet returned to the squad after being overlooked by former coach Manolo Marquez. Though he is not a ball-playing goalkeeper, his shot-stopping ability is likely to get him back between the sticks.
Defence — Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali and Muhammed Uvais
One of Jamil’s most potent weapons, the low block, is bound to look tall and astute, which puts Uvais ahead in selection over Naorem Roshan Singh (187 cm vs 173 cm).
Bheke could make the cut over his former teammate Hmingthanmawia Ralte because of his experience and set-piece exploits: he has scored twice from crosses under Marquez.
Meanwhile, the usual combination of a no-nonsense centre-back and ball-playing defender is likely to be that of Anwar and Jhingan.
Midfield: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Suresh Singh, Jeakson Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan — Jithin MS
Jamil’s side is expected to play a lot along the flanks, and naturally, Chhangte and Kuruniyan, two of India’s best wingers at the moment, are expected to lead the overlapping runs. Meanwhile, Suresh and Jeakson maintain a double pivot to avoid Tajik counterattacks.
Jithin, who has been a menace to opponents during his time with NorthEast United, can play on either flank, and his dribbling skills make him the perfect No. 10 option in the absence of Brandon Fernandes.
Attack – Irfan Yadwad
When Chennaiyin FC signed Irfan Yadwad from Bengaluru United in 2023, the striker had 36 goals from 34 matches for the I-League 2 side.
The then coach of the team: Jamil. The Indian coach has already shown that he can get the best of the striker at the club level, and he would look to do the same in national team colours.
India’s predicted starting XI: 4-4-1-1
Gurpreet — Bheke, Anwar, Jhingan, Uvais — Chhhangte, Suresh, Jeakson, Kuruniyan — Jithin — Yadwad
Published on Aug 29, 2025
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com