India football team’s head coach Khalid Jamil has revealed the 23-man squad that is to participate in the approaching Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh and the most prominent among the absentees is the talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri. Jamil respected the decision of the veteran striker by admitting that he is the most professional player he has ever encountered, as the former opted to retire from his international side of service. On Wednesday, November 5, the coach talked to The Hindu, pointing out that he would be happy to have Chhetri back in case he changed his mind. The Dhaka match, which is to be played on November 18, is of no value to India which is out of the main tournament. The other surprising thing Jamil did was dropping players of Mohun Bagan Super Giant because they were not released by the club.
India Coach Jamil Praises Sunil Chhetri’s Professionalism and His Decision
“In all my time with football, I have never seen anyone so professional. And I have seen him since he was a teenager. I have told him I will welcome him should he change his mind,” the India head coach told HT on Wednesday after leaving out Chhetri from the squad of 23 for Asian Cup qualifier away to Bangladesh on November 18.
“My practice sessions are hard but not for once did Sunil want to opt out. A senior player like
him is a great example so I wanted him to be part of the rebuilding. But he said it is best that we plan without him. It is his decision and I respect that,” said Jamil over the phone from Goa where he is watching the group stages of the Super Cup.
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Coach Plans Transition By Blending Rising Players With Senior Figures
“I have no doubt that Sunil can continue representing India. I think he didn’t like the continuous chatter about his age,” said Jamil, 48. The target now is to build a new team around
some senior players, said Jamil. “That is why I have kept Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu), Sandesh (Jhin- gan), Rahul (Bheke).”
The Probable Squad
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Brison Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh.
