NEW DELHI: India head coach Khalid Jamil has named a 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA international window, with the Blue Tigers set for a demanding run of fixtures against Panama, five-time world champions Brazil and two-time world champions Uruguay.The three-match schedule will give Jamil’s side a major opportunity to test themselves against high-profile opposition, with all three countries having featured at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year. India will first face Panama in Bengaluru before travelling to Kolkata for back-to-back encounters against Brazil and Uruguay.The national camp will begin in Bengaluru on September 14, with India scheduled to play Panama on September 26 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The squad will then travel to Kolkata on September 28 ahead of the two marquee fixtures.
Brazil, Uruguay await in Kolkata
India will take on Brazil at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 3 before facing Uruguay at the same venue three days later on October 6.The fixtures represent a stern challenge for Jamil’s young side, particularly against two of international football’s most decorated teams. The matches will also allow the head coach to assess his squad against stronger opposition ahead of India’s upcoming assignments.Jamil has also named four reserve players who could be drafted into the squad if required. Goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, defenders Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Roshan Singh Naorem, and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam have been placed on standby.
India squad for September-October window
The 26-member squad includes four goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and six forwards.
- Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Som Kumar.
- Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam.
- Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Farukh Choudhary, Lalengmawia Ralte, Macarton Nickson, Mohammed Sanan, Ricky Shabong, Sahal Abdul Samad.
- Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh.
India’s schedule:
- September 26: India vs Panama — Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
- October 3: India vs Brazil — Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata
- October 6: India vs Uruguay — Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata