Khalid Jamil Names 23-Member India Squad for New Zealand Friendlies

Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco move from India’s SAFF Championship squad, while the Blue Tigers prepare for two away tests against the World Cup-bound All Whites.

India head coach Khalid Jamil has named a 23-member squad for the national team’s two international friendlies against New Zealand during the November FIFA International Match Window. The Blue Tigers will travel to Auckland and Christchurch for matches on November 12 and 15 respectively, with both encounters offering an opportunity to test the squad against higher-ranked opposition away from home.

The announcement, made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Friday, November 6, also brings changes to the group currently involved in the SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka. Three players from Naushad Moosa’s SAFF squad — Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco — have been selected by Jamil and will leave the tournament to join the New Zealand-bound contingent.

In the opposite direction, Farukh Choudhary, Noufal PN and Hmingthanmawia Ralte have been released from the SAFF Championship squad and will return to their club, Mumbai City FC. Ronney Kharbudon will also miss the trip to Dhaka because of an injury.

The movement of players between the two squads is a significant feature of the selection announcement. Varghese, Suhail and Colaco will now switch their immediate international commitments from the ongoing regional tournament to the two friendlies in New Zealand.

Colaco’s inclusion adds another attacking option to Jamil’s forward group, which also features David Lalhlansanga, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh and Ryan Williams. Suhail is also named among the forwards, while Varghese provides an option in defence.

The 23-player selection comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards. Hrithik Tiwari, Som Kumar and Vishal Kaith are the three goalkeepers. The defensive group includes Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam and Roshan Singh Naorem.

Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Jithin MS, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte and Tomba Singh Haobam make up the midfield contingent.

The forward line consists of David Lalhlansanga, Edmund Lalrindika, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Muhammad Suhail and Ryan Williams.

Two away tests against a World Cup-playing nation

India will face New Zealand twice within three days. The first match is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, with kick-off at 11:30 IST. The second encounter will take place on Sunday, November 15, at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, beginning at 08:30 IST.

For Jamil, the quality of the opposition and the challenge of playing away from home make the fixtures valuable preparation opportunities.

“New Zealand are also a World Cup-playing nation and a strong opponent, and these two matches will be a good test for us away from home. We want to prepare well, play with discipline and use this opportunity to improve as a team,” the India head coach said.

The two matches will provide India with an opportunity to assess its organisation and discipline against an opponent with experience at the highest international level. Jamil has specifically highlighted the importance of preparation and using the fixtures to improve collectively.

The New Zealand-bound squad will assemble in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 7. The players are scheduled to train on Sunday before departing for Auckland later that night.

The short preparation period means the coaching staff will have limited time to bring the group together before the first fixture. Managing the transition from club and ongoing international commitments, while establishing the team's approach for the two matches, will be among the immediate priorities.

The November window also gives Jamil an opportunity to evaluate a 23-player group across different positions, with two matches providing opportunities to assess players against the same opposition.

For the Blue Tigers, the focus will be on making the most of the international exposure, maintaining discipline and translating the preparation into competitive performances.

India squad for New Zealand friendlies

• Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Som Kumar, Vishal Kaith

• Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem

• Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Jithin MS, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Tomba Singh Haobam

• Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Edmund Lalrindika, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Muhammad Suhail, Ryan Williams

• Head Coach: Khalid Jamil

India's schedule in New Zealand (IST)

• November 12, 11:30: New Zealand vs India — Go Media Stadium, Auckland

• November 15, 08:30: New Zealand vs India — One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch