Sunil Chhetri Returns as India Names 23-Man Squad for Asian Cup Qualifiers vs Singapore

India head coach Khalid Jamil has announced a 23-member squad for the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers clash against Singapore, featuring the return of team captain Sunil Chhetri and experienced defender Sandesh Jhingan.

Chhetri, 41, who briefly retired from international football earlier this year, skipped the CAFA Nations Cup held in August-September but will now lead the team in Group C matches on October 9 (away) and October 14 (home).

Jhingan is back after recovering from an injury sustained against Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup on September 1 in Hisor, Tajikistan.

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Training and Preparations

The Blue Tigers have been training in Bengaluru since September 20, focusing on tactical drills and match fitness ahead of the Singapore fixtures. India will travel to Singapore on Monday for the away match at Jalan Besar Stadium, before returning for the home game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

India currently sits bottom of Group C with one point from two games, while Singapore leads with four points from four matches. Only the group winner will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, making the upcoming games crucial for India’s campaign.

“We are not looking at the overall picture at the moment. There are still four matches to go, and the next one against Singapore is the most important for us right now,” said Jamil. “We cannot look too far ahead – we must go one step at a time.”

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Squad Overview

Jamil has named three goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, and Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Danish Farooq Bhat, Deepak Tangri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Udanta Singh Kumam.

Forwards: Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, and Vikram Partap Singh.

Two players, goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari and forward Muhammed Suhail, have been kept on standby for the home fixture.

“Though we are travelling with 23 players, we are constantly monitoring the rest. For now, Hrithik and Suhail have been kept on standby for the two matches against Singapore,” added Jamil.

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The squad blends experience and youth, with Chhetri’s leadership and Jhingan’s defensive stability expected to play key roles as India seeks a crucial win to revive its Asian Cup ambitions.