In preparation for the forthcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh in Shillong, Indian National Team head coach Manolo Marquez announced his 26-man roster. The Blue Tigers are anticipated to play another friendly in Shillong in addition to the qualifier.
The national team’s number one, Gurpreet Singh, who has been a little off-color for his club lately, was dropped by the Spanish head coach, making headlines. If you thought dropping Gurpreet was the biggest surprise, the return of Sunil Chhetri from retirement is the biggest and most unexpected news you’ll hear today.
Notable exclusions:
East Bengal’s David is one of the players who has accomplished well for the squad but has not been included in the national team camp. The young Indian attacker has showed tremendous promise at club level as a striker. Nikhil Prabhu, who has excelled in the midfield for Punjab FC over the last 18 months, has also failed to get a place in the team.
Aakash Sangwan is left out of the fullback position in favour of Subhasish Bose and Roshan Singh. Jithin MS, despite his outstanding achievements for the Highlanders, did not make the cut. The same is true for youthful Korou Singh and PV Vishnu, who have performed admirably for their respective clubs. Due to a hamstring injury, Anwar Ali is not available.
Surprise inclusions:
Gurmeet Singh has been called up after impressive performances for Northeast United. Boris Singh also receives a call-up after Manolo Marquez saw him closely at club level. The same is true for Ayush Chhetri, who has been a regular in the FC Goa midfield this season with a few standout displays.
Recently recovering from an injury that kept him from playing much for the past year or so, Ashique Kuruniyan has found himself a spot which surprised a lot of people. Farukh Choudhary, who hasn’t scored a goal since the first game in the ISL, has also been named among the attackers.
26-member full squad:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh, Chinglensana Singh, Valpuia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh, Apuia (Lalengmawia), Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh, Suresh Singh.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.
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