Khalid Jamil’s First India Football Camp – No Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Returns

In a significant move for Indian football, newly appointed head coach Khalid Jamil has announced his first national team camp — and it comes with some bold calls.

The big talking point is the absence of legendary striker Sunil Chhetri from the squad. While there’s no official statement explaining the omission, it’s the first time in years that India will head into a camp without its most famous goalscorer. Chhetri, who recently returned to international football after announcing retirement last year, has been a central figure for the national team for nearly two decades.

On the other hand, there’s good news for fans of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The experienced goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of India’s best between the posts, is back in the setup. His presence is expected to add stability and leadership at the back, especially as the team prepares for the CAFA Nations Cup later this month.

The rest of the squad shows a mix of regular starters and promising young talent from the Indian Super League. Jamil’s selection hints at a strategy to balance experience with fresh energy, giving younger players a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.

Speaking about his approach, sources close to the coach suggest that Jamil is keen on testing new combinations early in his tenure, ensuring he has a strong pool of players for upcoming tournaments. The CAFA Nations Cup will be his first real test, and the squad choices already show that he’s unafraid to make tough decisions.

For now, all eyes will be on how India performs under Khalid Jamil’s leadership — and whether the gamble of leaving out Chhetri pays off in the long run.