Indian Squad: Blending Experience with Emerging Talent at 2025 CAVA Men’s Nations League.
India’s campaign at the 2025 CAVA Men’s Nations League will be spearheaded by a well-rounded squad that combines the grit of seasoned campaigners with the enthusiasm of rising stars. At the helm is Serbian head coach Dragon Mihailovic, who brings a wealth of tactical acumen and international experience to guide this evolving team.
Leading the side is Vinit Kumar, the powerful opposite hitter whose composure under pressure and familiarity with international standards make him a natural leader. Supporting him is a talented core featuring:
- Ashwal Rai, a commanding middle blocker, renowned for his timing, block-read ability, and vocal leadership.
- Saqlain Tariq, a smart and steady setter who has grown into a pivotal playmaker.
- Muthusamy and Chirag Yadav, young attackers who have impressed at the domestic level and are eager to make their mark internationally.
- John Joseph and Aman Kumar, tall and agile middle blockers who add defensive steel and net control.
- Shon T John and Shikhar Singh, providing depth in reception and floor defense—crucial for transitions and backcourt resilience.
- Jerome Vinit and Mujeeb, known for their explosive attacking ability and consistent contributions in key moments.
India’s backroom is equally robust. Assistant coaches Amrit Pal Singh and Ravi Kumar bring continuity and tactical insight. Physical conditioning is overseen by Filip Vlajic, while Mirko Redisavljevic handles opposition analysis as scoutman. The medical and rehab responsibilities fall to Dr. Chirag Thakur, the team physio. Together, they ensure the squad is well-prepared both physically and strategically for the high-stakes competition ahead.
Path Ahead: Redemption on the Line
The tournament is being held from May 29 to June 4 in Uzbekistan—offers the perfect platform for redemption.
India has been drawn in Pool A, alongside hosts Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, setting up a challenging yet intriguing group stage. Pool B features Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, making the tournament a tightly contested affair.
The level of competition is expected to be high. Pakistan, the 2024 Nations League champions, remain a formidable force with a passionate fan base and athletic core. Iran, consistently among Asia’s volleyball elite, brings a legacy of technical superiority and mental strength.
Kyrgyzstan, riding the momentum of their flawless run to the 2024 CAVA Championship title, and Turkmenistan, bronze medallists in Tashkent and silver medallists in the 2024 Nations League, are also expected to mount serious challenges.
For India, the biggest test will be cohesion. While many squad members have played together at the national or domestic level, delivering results in the cauldron of international competition demands sharp execution and mental discipline.
Coach Mihailovic’s European pedigree, strategic emphasis, and ability to read game situations could be decisive, especially in closely fought matches.
Why This League Matters for India
The 2025 CAVA Nations League comes at a pivotal moment for Indian volleyball. The sport has seen pockets of growth in recent years, but still competes for attention in a crowded sporting ecosystem. A strong showing here could accelerate its rise, particularly among younger fans and aspiring athletes.
More critically, the tournament provides India’s upcoming players with exposure to varied playing styles and the kind of pressure situations that are hard to replicate in domestic circuits. With Paris 2024 now in the rearview and the LA 2028 Olympic cycle gaining momentum, these are the formative matches that will shape India’s long-term competitiveness in Asia and beyond.
India’s absence from last year’s championship was driven by circumstance, not capability. Now, with a full-strength squad, an experienced coaching team, and a clear sense of purpose, India has the opportunity to re-establish its credentials in the Central Asian volleyball circuit.
The 2025 CAVA Men’s Nations League isn’t just another tournament for India—it’s a chance to reset the narrative. A podium finish, or even a competitive run into the latter stages, would be more than a win on the scoreboard. It would send a strong message: Indian volleyball is ready to step up, compete, and eventually, lead.
