The Indian football national team has entered a crucial phase of its 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification journey.
With a vital away fixture against Hong Kong looming on June 10, head coach Manolo Márquez has named a 28-member probables squad for a training camp starting May 18 in Kolkata.
While the list includes a few fresh faces and a few predictable veterans, the omissions and certain inclusions have sparked debate across the Indian football community.
India’s Road Ahead: Context Matters
Placed in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore, India began their Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Bangladesh in Shillong.
With Singapore and Hong Kong also drawing, the group remains wide open. India’s next opponent, Hong Kong, will host the Blue Tigers at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park—a high-pressure fixture that could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
In preparation, Márquez has scheduled a 10-day camp in Kolkata before the team heads to Bangkok for a friendly against Thailand on June 4. The match will serve as the final tune-up before the qualifier in Hong Kong.
Fresh Faces: Right Direction or Risky Gamble?
Among the standout call-ups are Hrithik Tiwari, Nikhil Prabhu, and Suhail Ahmad Bhat.
- Hrithik Tiwari‘s selection reflects the need to inject youth into the goalkeeping ranks. But with Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, and Amrinder Singh also in the mix, it’s unclear whether Hrithik is here for exposure or genuine competition.
- Nikhil Prabhu, a solid defensive prospect, gets a deserved look-in. His calmness in possession and aerial ability can offer depth, especially as India’s backline begins transitioning from the Sandesh Jhingan era.
- Suhail Bhat, long considered a bright attacking talent, finally gets his national team camp call. His selection reflects a forward-looking approach, though his final-third productivity still needs refinement.
Veteran Reliance: Pragmatic or Puzzling?
Some selections, however, raise eyebrows.
- Amrinder Singh, after a string of inconsistent performances, remains a surprising inclusion over more in-form keepers like Albino Gomes, who was stellar for Kerala Blasters this season.
- Udanta Singh, despite a visible dip in impact over recent seasons, continues to feature. The logic could be his pace and familiarity with international demands, but questions persist about his productivity in the final third.
- Sunil Chhetri, naturally, retains his place. But the rest of the attack lacks proven international experience, with Irfan Yadwad and Suhail Bhat still untested at this level.
Notable Absentees: Where Are They?
The absence of several expected names has stirred fan conversations and criticism.
- Anirudh Thapa: Once the midfield metronome for India, Thapa’s omission is perhaps the most glaring. While injuries and form might have played a role, his ability to dictate tempo is still unmatched by many in the current pool.
- Sahal Abdul Samad: A creative spark missing from the current squad. If India struggles to unlock defences in Hong Kong, Sahal’s absence could be heavily felt.
- Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) is in the squad, but the lack of a dynamic partner like Suresh Wangjam from his peak days makes the midfield look light on physicality and guile.
- Edmund Lalrindika and David Lalhlansanga have impressed in recent domestic competitions. Their omission is surprising, especially given the team’s need for fresh attacking options.
- Jessel Carneiro, Sangwan, and Valpuia were other fan-backed contenders who find no place despite consistent ISL form.
Midfield Build or Void?
The midfield list includes Liston Colaco, Brandon Fernandes, and Ashique Kuruniyan—all capable, but none traditional central midfielders.
The inclusion of Ayush Dev Chhetri and Wangjam hints at an attempt to add steel and work rate, but there remains a noticeable absence of natural creators and deep-lying playmakers.
Defensive Composition: Experience Over Experimentation
With Jhingan, Anwar Ali, and Bheke still around, Márquez seems to favour experience. However, young defenders like Thangjam Boris Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, and Mehtab Singh provide cover and represent India’s next generation.
Still, someone like Valpuia, who had a standout domestic season, could feel unlucky to miss out.
Coach Márquez’s 28-man list offers hints of a slow transition. While new names like Suhail and Nikhil suggest a look to the future, the continued presence of underperforming veterans and the omission of dynamic talents make this squad feel like a half-step forward.
The real assessment will come on June 4 against Thailand and more critically, on June 10 against Hong Kong. These fixtures will not only shape India’s qualification campaign but also set the tone for Márquez’s tenure.
If India struggles creatively or defensively, questions about this squad’s balance will only grow louder. For now, it’s a mixed bag—bold in some choices, baffling in others.
