Former India captain Sandesh Jhingan, along with Rahul Bheke, Lallianzuala Chhangte, FPAI Player of the Year, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, golden glove winner at the recently-concluded Durand Cup, Liston Colaco and East Bengal midfielder Jeakson Singh, were among the notable omissions from the squad announced earlier this week.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil on Thursday strongly defended his decision to drop several established players from the squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama, saying he picked the 26 probables purely on merit after giving everyone an “equal and adequate chance”.
Indian football team head coach Khalid Jamil on Thursday strongly defended his decision to drop several established players from the squad for the upcoming high-profile friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama.
Asia Cup qualification. Overall, whatever the football requirement is, we will do it. Even set-pieces, we have to be good. Attacking, defending. “Then, after attacking, comeback, defense. Take responsibility as a player. Pressure will be there for the players. Before this, we have to attend the camp. “Yes, we have to decide. It’s not that we will stick with one. We will see. It’s not that we will stick to one plan. We have to be a stronger team. We have to be strong defensively. “Yes, we will go for a win. We will never aim to concede a few goals. We will never think like this. It is not like that. And I know that we are playing with a good team. Yes, you have to raise your level. Jamil also expressed confidence in his current squad, pointing to India’s recent competitive outings against strong opposition. “So we played with good competitive matches. It’s not that the team has been doing badly of late. The head coach also lavished praise on former India captain Sunil Chhetri, describing him as the country’s all-time number one player and an example for the current generation to emulate.
Because we are building a team for the future.Our main target is next year, in 2027, “Many changes were made. Jamil said the changes were part of India’s long-term plan to build a team capable of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup. 3-4-3, 5-4-1, whatever you say.
So, overall, we have to be good in all situations,” he emphasised adding that “Everybody must be strong in defensive and attack as well. With India set to face three higher-ranked opponents, Jamil said he would remain flexible with his formations rather than commit to a single tactical approach. We will see according to the situation. We will play, according to that.
