Overview
- The new head coach announced a 35-man probable squad on August 16 in Bengaluru, with 22 players reporting and 13 set to join after the Durand Cup.
- Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time leading scorer, was left out as Jamil seeks to trial younger forwards for the CAFA Nations Cup and beyond.
- Jamil confirmed he spoke directly with Chhetri about the decision and emphasized the tournament’s role as preparation for October’s AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
- The All India Football Federation initially deferred comment on Chhetri’s omission, directing media queries back to the coach and fueling calls for greater selection transparency.
- Several clubs, notably Mohun Bagan, may withhold players because the CAFA Nations Cup falls outside the FIFA international calendar, creating availability challenges.