Sunil Chhetri Left Out of Coach Khalid Jamil’s 35-Man Probables for CAFA Nations Cup

India’s new head coach Khalid Jamil has chosen to leave out veteran striker Sunil Chhetri from the 35 probables announced for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The All India Football Federation (AIFF), in its official release, did not provide any explanation for the omission of the star forward, who returned from international retirement earlier this year.

Chhetri, a long-standing pillar in Indian football, made four appearances for the national side in 2025 after coming back from retirement. His lack of inclusion does not appear to be linked to form, especially as Bengaluru FC, his club side, is yet to kick off pre-season training. It is worth noting that earlier this year, Bengaluru FC had suspended player and staff salaries due to uncertainty around the future of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Despite Chhetri’s absence, several of his Bengaluru FC teammates feature in the squad, including goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defenders Chinglensana Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Chhetri had initially retired from international football after India’s clash with Kuwait in June 2024 but returned at the request of then-coach Manolo Marquez. His comeback saw him feature in the Asian Cup third-round qualifiers against Maldives, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong—results that left India struggling in their bid to qualify for the 2027 tournament.

Training Camp Underway
So far, 22 players have reported to the training camp in Bengaluru, with 13 more expected to join once commitments in the Durand Cup conclude.

India is drawn in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup, where they will face Tajikistan (Aug 29), Iran (Sept 1), and Afghanistan (Sept 4). According to the AIFF, the tournament will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Singapore (both home and away).

Players Currently in Camp:

• Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari
  
• Defenders: Akash Mishra, Alex Saji, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh, Hmingthanmawia
  Ralte, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Sunil Benchamin
  
• Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Nikhil Prabhu, Rahul KP, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh
  
• Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh