Sunil Chhetri Returns to India Squad for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Against Singapore

Sunil Chhetri is back in the national fold after being named in Khalid Jamil’s 30-man probables for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers against Singapore. The 40-year-old striker, who was left out of Jamil’s squad for the CAFA Nations Cup earlier this month, has now been recalled as the new head coach looks to strike a balance between youth and experience.

Jamil had defended his decision to omit the long-serving captain for his first assignment, stressing that the “doors of the national team would always remain open” for the veteran. His latest selection reflects that stance, with Chhetri’s leadership and know-how likely to prove invaluable as India prepare for back-to-back fixtures against Singapore, on October 9 in Singapore and October 14 in Margao.

The probables will assemble in Bengaluru for a preparatory camp starting September 20, with players from Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa set to join later owing to AFC Champions League Two commitments. Five names have also been kept on standby, two from the U23 team and three senior players, to be announced separately. The final squad will be trimmed from this pool.

The list includes multiple U23 players who recently impressed in the U23 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, namely Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan and Muhammed Suhail.

Jamil’s reign began with a bronze medal at the CAFA Nations Cup, where India edged Oman on penalties in the third-place playoff. While the team showed clear room for improvement, the result offered encouragement at a time when Indian football has been mired in turbulence, from poor results to administrative uncertainty.

Against that backdrop, Chhetri’s return adds both familiarity and firepower.

India probables list for AFC Asia Cup qualifiers vs Singapore:

• Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
• Defenders: Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem
• Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jithin MS, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammed Aimen, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan
• Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh (Jr), Mohammed Sanan K, Muhammed Suhail, Parthib Gogoi, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh