India's interest first: Khalid Jamil defends senior players' snub for Brazil, Uruguay

Khalid Jamil has defended leaving several senior players out of India's squad for the friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama. He said selection is based on India's needs, with fitness, form and future planning driving his calls.

In Short

• Senior players remain in contention if injuries, form or fitness demand changes
• India will face Panama before high-profile clashes with Brazil and Uruguay
• The current squad averages about 24-25, reflecting Jamil's push for exposure

India head coach Khalid Jamil has defended his decision to leave several senior players out of the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama. Jamil stressed that the omissions are not a call for the experienced players to retire, but said India’s interests must come before individual reputations.

Speaking to the Times of India, Jamil said the likes of Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco and Jeakson Singh remain in contention for future selections. He added that injuries, form or fitness could bring the senior players back into the squad when required.

“I know the talk is that a lot of senior players have not been called up, but I am not shutting the door on them or asking them to retire,” Jamil told TOI.

“If the need arises, we will get them back, possibly for injury (cover) or replacements (due to form).”

India squad for Uruguay, Panama and Brazil matches:

• Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Albino Gomes, Som Kumar, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill
• Defenders: Akash Mishra, Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Bijoy Varghese, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam
• Midfielders: Macarton Nickson, Ashique Kuruniyan, Farukh Choudhary, Anirudh Thapa, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad, Mohammed Sanan, Ricky Shabong
• Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Edmund Lalrindika, Rahim Ali, Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams, Vikram Partap Singh

INDIA'S INTEREST COMES FIRST

Jamil's selection has attracted attention because India will face three nations that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Panama, ranked 44th in the world, will be followed by five-time world champions Brazil and two-time winners Uruguay, with the latter two matches scheduled in Kolkata.

Two of India's three recent captains, Jhingan and Bheke, have been left out, while goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, Chhangte, Colaco and Jeakson are also missing. Jhingan has 77 international appearances, while the group collectively brings more than 200 caps to the table.

Jamil, however, does not believe a match against a team of Brazil's stature should determine selection on the basis of past service.

“I have to put India’s interest before that of any individual player or even my own. For example, a game against Brazil cannot be a reward (for players’ services); it’s not exhibition. It’s a proper international friendly and we have to be at our best,” he said.

The former India midfielder also sees the window as an opportunity to prepare for the next Asian Cup qualification cycle, which begins next year. The current squad has an average age of around 24-25, reflecting Jamil's desire to give younger players exposure before those qualifiers.

JAMIL HAS BACK-UPS READY

The coach's concerns extend beyond experience, with at least 10 members of the 26-man squad yet to play a competitive game this season. Several clubs did not participate in the Durand Cup or Asian competitions, leaving Jamil uncertain about the condition in which some players will arrive at camp.

Alongside the 26-member squad, Jamil has named four reserves: goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, defenders Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Roshan Singh Naorem, and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam.

But even that group is not the full extent of his contingency planning.

“Besides the 26 and four reserves, I have about 10 players in my mind who I think can fit into this team. On the first day, we will have (fitness) tests and if the player does not deliver, he will be sent home in just a day,” Jamil said.

The message applies to every player, including those who have been selected. Jamil has made it clear that fitness and intent will be assessed when the squad assembles, with replacements ready if anyone falls short of the standards required for matches against top opposition.

India will begin their preparatory camp in Bengaluru on September 14, before facing Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 26. The team will then move to Kolkata on September 28 for the Brazil clash on October 3 and Uruguay encounter on October 6.

The three fixtures give Jamil a rare opportunity to assess his evolving squad against World Cup opposition while also giving a new generation of Indian players exposure to the highest level. For the coach, the results will matter less than how India responds to the challenge and what the team can carry forward into the next phase of its international programme.

- Ends