Cafa Nations Cup 2025 – How can India stand in line under the new coach Khalid Jamil?

The Indian men’s football team will start a new era under head coach Khalid Jamil, the first -class coach on the side in more than a decade, in the Cafa Nations Cup 2025.

The Blue Tigers have been training in Bengaluru since 15 August, with some players joining the National Camp after their Durand Cup obligations.

However, the team does not contain India’s record position carer Sunil Chhetri.

Moreover, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has refused to release his players for the tournament, which is located outside the FIFA International window, while the club also set up AFC Champions League Two matches later next month.

How can India stand in the Cafa Nations Cup 2025?

Goalkeeper – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu:

The most reliable number 1 in India in the past decade Gurpreet returned to the team after being overlooked by former coach Manolo Marquez. Although he is not a keeper, his Shot-Stop capacity will probably bring him back between the sticks.

Defense – Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali and Muhammed Uvais

One of Jamil’s most powerful weapons, the low block, will certainly look long and astute that Uvais places ahead in selection above NaoRem Roshan Singh (187 cm versus 173 cm).

Bheke was able to make the cutback about his former teammate HmingThanmawia Ralte because of his experience and set piece Exploits: he scored twice from Kruisen under Marquez.

In the meantime, the usual combination of a no-nonsense center-back and ball game defender is probably that of Anwar and Jhingan.

Midfield: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Suresh Singh, Jeakson Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan – Jithin MS

Jamil’s side is expected to play a lot along the flanks, and of course Chhange and Kuruniyan, two of the best wing players in India, are currently expected to lead the overlapping runs. In the meantime, Suresh and Jeakson are retaining a double pivot to prevent Tadjik counterattacks.

Jithin, who was a threat to opponents during his time at Noordoost -United, can play on both flanks, and his dribbling skills make him the perfect no. 10 option in the absence of Brandon Fernandes.

Attack – Irfan Yadwad

When Chennaiyin FC Irfan Yadwad from Bengaluru United signed in 2023, the striker had 36 goals of 34 games for the I-League 2-side.

The then coach of the team: Jamil. The Indian coach has already shown that he can get the best of the striker at club level, and he would like to do the same in the colors of national teams.

India’s predicted start XI: 4-4-1-1

Gurpreet – Bheke, Anwar, Jhingan, Uvais – Chhhangte, Suresh, Jeakson, Kuruniyan – Jithin – Yadwad

Published on August 29, 2025