The Indian football landscape is evolving as Khalid Jamil, the new head coach, announces his 23-man squad for the CAFA Nations Cup. The tournament is set to commence on August 29 in Tajikistan. However, a significant development has emerged: the absence of legendary striker Sunil Chhetri.
Jamil, who assumed the role of head coach earlier in August, has made the decision to move forward without Chhetri. This move signals a shift in strategy and a focus on the future of the team. Chhetri’s absence, given his stature in Indian football, has drawn considerable attention.
The training camp began with 29 players. The final squad was chosen from this pool, considering factors such as player availability. Despite the adjustments, Jamil is confident in the abilities of the selected team. The squad includes experienced players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan, alongside up-and-coming talents such as Irfan Yadwad and Vikram Partap Singh.
While the exact reasons for Chhetri’s exclusion are not explicitly stated, several factors likely influenced this decision. The management may be looking ahead to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and building a squad for long-term success. Another factor could be workload management, providing the veteran striker with a rest period after a challenging ISL season. Jamil’s tactical approach, favoring high-intensity play and younger players, may also have been a consideration.
India will compete in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup, facing Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. The top two teams from the group will advance to the play-offs, with the final scheduled for September 8 in Tashkent.
The tournament would have provided Indian fans a chance to see Chhetri on the field, possibly for the last time. His absence reflects the ongoing transition in Indian football, with a focus on future generations.
As Jamil begins his tenure, the team’s performance will be closely watched. While Chhetri’s future remains to be seen, his absence highlights the changing face of Indian football and the move towards a new era.