After more than 600 days, Indian volleyball fans finally have something to cheer for — a full-strength national squad announced for the CAVA Men’s Nations League 2025, scheduled to take place from May 29 to June 4 in Uzbekistan.
At the center of this announcement is a long-awaited inclusion: Jerome Vinith, one of India’s most experienced and explosive attackers, is back in the blue jersey.
His selection ends a frustrating wait and marks a major step forward for Indian volleyball, which has often struggled with inconsistent selections and limited international exposure.
With the core of this squad drawn from the Prime Volleyball League (PVL), there’s a tangible sense of cohesion and rhythm in this group — a rare luxury for Indian teams heading into international events.
India’s Final 14-Man Squad – A Mix of Youth and Experience
The Indian team for the senior CAVA Men’s Nations League is built around a core of familiar PVL performers:
•Attackers: Vinit Kumar, Jerome Vinith, Shon T John, Chirag Yadav
•Blockers: Ashwal Rai, Muthusamy, Saqlain Tariq
•Setters: Mujeeb, Shikhar
•Liberos: Hariprasad, John Joseph
•All-rounders: Amit Guliya, Aman Jaglan, Anand K
All 14 players have featured in the Prime Volleyball League, giving head coach Dragan Mihailovic a foundation of players used to competing in high-intensity, televised matches — a far cry from the fragmented domestic calendar that existed just a few years ago.
Jerome’s Return Headlines Selections
The inclusion of Jerome, a fan-favorite attacker from Tamil Nadu, brings flair and firepower to India’s frontline. Known for his athleticism and court awareness, Jerome’s absence had puzzled many in the volleyball community. His return not only strengthens the Indian attack but also brings leadership to the floor.
This return is symbolic too — a nod that perhaps, Indian volleyball is finally learning to back its top performers on merit.
Dragan Mihailovic to Coach Across Age Groups
Adding to the structural shift is the decision to hand over the reins of senior, U16, and U19 men’s teams to Serbian coach Dragan Mihailovic. A known name in the Asian coaching circuit, Dragan’s appointment across levels reflects a renewed seriousness from the Volleyball Federation of India to instill a unified system and philosophy.
This integrated coaching setup, rare in Indian team sports, could finally help bridge the talent gap between junior and senior levels — a long-standing issue that has hindered the sport’s growth nationally.
A Special Moment for Saqlain Tariq and Jammu & Kashmir Volleyball
One of the most emotional selections in this squad is Saqlain Tariq, who hails from Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir and is a product of the Shaheed DySP Manjit Singh Memorial Volleyball Club. His rise is a milestone moment not only for him personally but also for the JKUT volleyball community, which has been quietly developing talent against the odds for years.
India vs Pakistan – Rivalry, Relocation, and Motivation
Originally slated to be hosted in Pakistan, the CAVA Men’s Nations League was shifted to Uzbekistan after India declined to travel. This move adds a layer of tension to an already fierce sporting rivalry.
Pakistan’s captain Murad Jehan has made headlines by declaring confidence in defeating India, stoking the long-standing competitive fire between the two nations. With teams like Iran, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan also in the fray, this will be a real test of India’s continental credentials.
India’s CAVA Volleyball Calendar: A Packed June
India is not just focusing on the senior team. The CAVA calendar is stacked, and Mihailovic will have his hands full:
•May 29 – June 4: Senior CAVA Nations League 🇺🇿
•June 1 – June 7: CAVA Men’s U16 Championship 🇺🇿
•June 10 – June 16: CAVA Men’s U19 Championship 🇺🇿
This back-to-back schedule gives Indian volleyball an unprecedented opportunity to evaluate its pipeline across age groups — and perhaps, for the first time, connect those levels through consistent coaching philosophy.
With Prime Volleyball League graduates forming the backbone of the squad and seasoned hands like Jerome and Vinit leading the charge, expectations are cautiously optimistic. Beating Pakistan and competing against Iran will be challenging, but India’s aim is clear: to win the tournament and establish themselves as a rising force in Central Asian volleyball.
As the tournament tips off in Uzbekistan, Indian fans have reason to tune in and cheer. This squad, built on domestic form and powered by long-awaited inclusions, may just be ready to script something special.
