No Sunil Chhetri as Khalid Jamil Begins First India Camp Ahead of CAFA Nations Cup; Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Returns
Indian football is entering a new chapter with Khalid Jamil, the first Indian coach in 13 years to take charge of the national team. His first big task will be preparing the squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. However, the announcement of his initial 35-member probables has stirred debate, as one legendary name was notably missing—Sunil Chhetri.
Khalid Jamil Takes Charge
Jamil, who officially assumed the role of head coach on August 1, 2025, steps into one of the most high-pressure jobs in Indian football. Known for his tactical pragmatism and motivational approach, Jamil made his mark on the domestic circuit by famously guiding Aizawl FC to the I-League title in 2017—an achievement widely celebrated as one of Indian football’s greatest underdog stories.
Now, his challenge lies in transforming a national team in transition. With the CAFA Nations Cup approaching, Jamil’s first camp is not only about training but also about signaling the direction he intends to take Indian football in the post-Chhetri era.
No Sunil Chhetri: A Surprise Omission
The biggest headline from Jamil’s 35-member list is the absence of Sunil Chhetri. The 40-year-old striker, widely regarded as India’s greatest footballer, had made a dramatic return from international retirement earlier this year, reigniting hopes of one last dance with the national team.
His omission comes as a surprise for fans and pundits alike. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has not provided an official explanation. Speculation ranges from:
- Fitness and form concerns: Chhetri’s recent performances at the club level with Bengaluru FC have been under scrutiny, especially amid a turbulent season for the team.
- Personal choice: Some suggest the veteran might have communicated his desire to step back, though no statement has been issued.
- Tactical restructuring: Jamil could be looking to refresh the squad with younger talent as India builds toward long-term competitions such as the Asian Cup qualifiers.
Regardless of the reason, the absence of India’s record goal scorer (94 goals in 151 appearances) underscores the beginning of a new phase for the national team.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Returns
While one stalwart is missing, another makes a welcome return. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who had faced patchy form and fitness issues in the past year, is back in contention. His inclusion adds much-needed experience to India’s backline and goalkeeping department.
As one of the most reliable figures in Indian football and the only Indian to have played in a top European league (Norway’s Tippeligaen), Gurpreet’s presence is expected to be a stabilizing factor for Jamil’s new-look squad.
The 35-Member Probables and Bengaluru Camp
Jamil’s provisional list includes 35 players, drawn from both the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League clubs.
- 22 players have already reported for training in Bengaluru, where the camp began on August 16, 2025.
- The remaining 13 players are expected to join after completing their ongoing commitments in the Durand Cup.
The Bengaluru camp will serve as the selection ground for the final squad that will travel to Central Asia for the tournament.
The CAFA Nations Cup 2025
The CAFA Nations Cup, scheduled later this month in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, provides India with a valuable opportunity to test itself against quality opposition from the Central Asian region. The tournament is expected to feature teams such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Kyrgyzstan—all of which have made significant strides in international football.
For Jamil, this tournament is more than just about results—it will be the first real test of his coaching philosophy at the international stage.
A Turning Point for Indian Football
The omission of Sunil Chhetri, coupled with the appointment of Khalid Jamil, marks the beginning of a generational shift in Indian football. While Chhetri has been the face of the sport in India for nearly two decades, his absence creates a void both on and off the pitch.
At the same time, Jamil’s appointment represents a symbolic return of faith in Indian coaches at the highest level. His ability to inspire teams and nurture local talent will be crucial as India aims to climb the international ladder.
As the camp in Bengaluru gets underway, Indian football stands at a crossroads. The Chhetri era may be drawing to a close, but a new identity is waiting to be forged under Khalid Jamil’s leadership. With Gurpreet Singh Sandhu back and a younger crop of players eager to make their mark, the CAFA Nations Cup could be the stage where this transformation begins.
The coming weeks will answer two pressing questions: Can India compete without its talismanic striker? And can Jamil, the underdog coach turned national leader, script another success story—this time for an entire nation?
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