Bengaluru, August 17, 2025 – The Indian senior men’s national football team began a new chapter under head coach Khalid Jamil, holding their first training session in Bengaluru on Sunday, August 17, 2025, as they prepare for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup 2025 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. Jamil, the first Indian to lead the men’s national team since Savio Medeira in 2012, has taken the reins following the departure of Spaniard Manolo Marquez, with the team looking to reverse their recent slide to 133rd in the FIFA rankings.
Jamil, a former India international with 15 caps and a storied coaching career, has named a 35-player probables list for the preparatory camp. Twenty-two players, including goalkeepers Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Hrithik Tiwari; defenders Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Akash Mishra, and Nikhil Poojary; midfielders Ashique Kuruniyan, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Jeakson Singh, and Brandon Fernandes; and forwards Rahim Ali and Vikram Partap Singh, have already reported to the camp. The remaining 13 players, currently competing in the Durand Cup 2025, are set to join after their club commitments. New faces like Hrithik Tiwari, Thoiba Singh, Kiyan Nassiri, Irfan Yadwad, and uncapped talent Vibin Mohanan signal Jamil’s intent to blend youth with experience. Notably absent are Anwar Ali, serving a one-year ban, and the retired Sunil Chhetri.
The team’s immediate focus is the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan, where India will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4 in Group B. Following this, they will take on Singapore in two crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying matches on October 9 and 14. Jamil’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, with India aiming to recover from recent losses to Thailand and Hong Kong in June.
A proven tactician, Jamil brings a wealth of experience from his coaching stints in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League. He led Aizawl FC to a historic I-League title in 2016-17 and guided Jamshedpur FC to the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final and the ISL 2024-25 semi-finals. As a player, Jamil was part of India’s 1997 SAFF Championship-winning squad and competed in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and 2001 Merdeka Tournament. His club career with Mahindra United included a National Football League title, two Federation Cups, and two IFA Shields, alongside a Santosh Trophy win with Maharashtra in 1999.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey expressed confidence in Jamil’s ability to transform the team, citing his strong work ethic and deep understanding of Indian football. “I know the strengths and weaknesses of Indian players, and I’m confident we can achieve positive results in the upcoming tournaments,” Jamil said, emphasizing his commitment to leveraging his experience to elevate the Blue Tigers.
With a challenging schedule ahead, Jamil’s leadership and strategic insight will be pivotal as India seeks to reclaim its standing in Asian football. The Bengaluru camp marks the beginning of an exciting journey under a coach who embodies both passion and pedigree in Indian football.
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