India Name 22-Member Squad for Tajikistan Friendlies, Ryan Williams and Mohun Bagan Players Miss Out
The Indian men's football team will head into its upcoming international friendlies against Tajikistan without several key players after head coach Khalid Jamil announced a 22-member squad for the June fixtures.
The Blue Tigers are set to face Tajikistan twice this month, on June 5 and June 9, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing Unity Cup campaign and regain momentum ahead of future international assignments.
India endured a difficult outing at the Unity Cup in London, suffering defeats against both Jamaica and Zimbabwe. The back-to-back losses not only raised concerns about the team's form but also saw India slip one place to 137th in the latest FIFA rankings. The upcoming matches against Tajikistan therefore present an important opportunity for Khalid Jamil and his players to rebuild confidence and find positive results against quality opposition.
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad announcement is the absence of Mohun Bagan Super Giant players. Several Bagan footballers were initially part of the preliminary squad for the Unity Cup, but the Indian Super League champions did not release them outside the official FIFA international window. As a result, none of the club's players are available for selection for the Tajikistan matches.
India will also be without Australian-origin forward Ryan Williams, who suffered an injury during the opening match of the Unity Cup. Williams had shown promising signs during his brief appearances and was expected to play a significant role under Khalid Jamil. To compensate for his absence, the coaching staff has called up NorthEast United forward Parthib Gogoi. The young attacker has enjoyed an impressive rise in recent seasons and will now have an opportunity to establish himself at the international level.
The squad retains a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents across all departments.
In goal, veteran Gurpreet Singh Sandhu continues to lead the goalkeeping unit. One of India's most experienced internationals, Gurpreet will be joined by Hrithik Tiwari and Albino Gomes, providing depth and competition for the starting spot.
The defensive line will be anchored by captain Sandesh Jhingan, who remains one of India's most influential players. Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Akash Mishra and Roshan Singh Naorem bring valuable international experience, while younger players such as Nikhil Barla, Bijoy Varghese and Pramveer continue to gain exposure at the highest level.
In midfield, Khalid Jamil has placed his trust in a combination of energy, creativity and defensive solidity. Jeakson Singh Thounaojam will be expected to play a key role in controlling the tempo, while Macarton Nickson, Ricky Shabong and Noufal PN offer dynamism and versatility in central areas.
The forward line includes some of India's most exciting attacking talents. Lallianzuala Chhangte remains one of the team's biggest threats with his pace and ability to create chances from wide positions. Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary and Vikram Partap Singh provide additional attacking options, while Mohammed Sanan and Edmund Lalrindika will be eager to make an impact whenever called upon.
Parthib Gogoi's inclusion adds another dimension to the attack. The NorthEast United forward has been one of the standout young performers in domestic football and now has a chance to translate that form onto the international stage. India will take confidence from their most recent meeting with Tajikistan. The Blue Tigers defeated the Central Asian side 2-1 during the CAFA Nations Cup last year, a result that demonstrated their ability to compete against teams from outside South Asia.
However, Tajikistan remain a strong and technically gifted opponent, and the matches will provide a valuable benchmark for India's progress under Khalid Jamil.
Beyond the results, these friendlies will offer the coaching staff an opportunity to assess combinations, evaluate emerging players and address some of the issues that were exposed during the Unity Cup.
With criticism mounting after recent performances and India's FIFA ranking continuing to slide, the pressure will be on the Blue Tigers to deliver improved displays.
The absence of Mohun Bagan players and Ryan Williams certainly presents challenges, but it also creates opportunities for new faces to stake their claim for a long-term place in the national team setup. As India prepares for two important tests against Tajikistan, Khalid Jamil will hope his squad can produce the response needed to restore confidence and begin building momentum for the challenges that lie ahead.
India Squad for Tajikistan Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Albino Gomes
Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Barla, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Macarton Nickson, Noufal PN, Ricky Shabong
Forwards: Parthib Gogoi, Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary, Vikram Partap Singh
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