The players selected by India head coach Manolo Marquez have kicked off preparations for the country’s upcoming international friendly against Malaysia on November 18 in Hyderabad. Malaysia will face Laos on November 14 before arriving in India for their friendly clash.
For the Marquez-led Indian team, this game may not affect their standing, as they have already secured a spot in Pot 1 for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers draw. However, Marquez will be using this opportunity to make the necessary adjustments ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers set to begin in March 2025.
Since taking charge in July, Márquez has focused on using friendly matches and training sessions to refine his lineup for the Asian Cup Qualifiers. Under his guidance, India is yet to secure a win, having drawn twice and losing once in three matches, making the Malaysia game a vital opportunity to test his best playing combination.
“It’s true that we want to check some new players. But obviously it’s impossible to change the whole group and call 40 players in March. It’s true that we are finding the group. It means that we have maybe 14, 15, 16 players who will be there, but we don’t know exactly. And there are a lot of players who can get there. Obviously, it’s still four months, and the situation can change with a lot of things; unfortunately with injuries and the players’ domestic form. But, I repeat again, as a coach you need to find the group which can play the style that we want.” Said the Indian team head coach.
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The coach announced a 26-member squad, retaining the core from recent games while adding a few surprise inclusions. Jithin MS, Vibin Mohanan, Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia), Irfan Yadwad, and Thoiba Singh have all been called up for the first time, rewarded for consistent performances in domestic leagues. Here’s a closer look at why each of these players could become valuable assets for Marquez’s set-up:
Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia)
Having gained prominence last season for Mumbai City FC, Valpuia has locked down the right-back spot, especially after Rahul Bheke’s transfer to Bengaluru FC. His tenacity and defensive capabilities on the right flank earned him his first national call-up. This season, Valpuia has maintained strong numbers: 1 clean sheet, 8 interceptions, 11 tackles won, and 33 duels won across 7 matches. It remains to be seen if the coach will test him as a replacement for first-choice right-back Ashis Rai.
Jithin MS
Fans have long advocated for Jithin MS’s inclusion in the national squad. Although an injury dashed his hopes in a previous call-up, his strong showing in the Durand Cup and ISL caught Marquez’s eye. After winning the Durand Cup 2024 Golden Boot, Jithin has continued to shine in the ISL, already delivering 4 assists for North East United. Though he’s yet to score, his aggressive runs down the flanks have proven a challenge for opposing defenders.
Vibin Mohanan
Regarded as one of Indian football’s brightest prospects, Vibin Mohanan has been a standout for Kerala Blasters this ISL season. At just 21, his composure and skill have been impressive. In 8 games, Vibin has played 660 minutes, averaging 45 passes per match, creating 7 chances, and delivering 7 key passes—numbers rivalled by only a few midfielders in the league. A Kerala Blasters academy graduate with experience in India’s youth squads, Vibin will face stiff competition in the camp but is sure to gain valuable experience.
Irfan Yadwad
Irfan Yadwad has emerged as a key find for Chennaiyin FC under Owen Coyle. After scoring just once last season, Irfan has already tallied a goal and 2 assists this season, consistently making his presence felt in the opposition box.
Thoiba Singh
Thoiba Singh’s outstanding defensive displays for Odisha FC this season earned him a last-minute national call-up after Mohun Bagan’s Anirudh Thapa was sidelined due to injury. In 6 ISL matches, Thoiba has registered 10 tackles, 14 duels, and 19 recoveries. Originally a product of the Minerva Football Academy, Thoiba joined Odisha in 2021 and made an immediate impact this season when he stepped up after Carlos Delgado’s injury. Competing with names like Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, and Rahul Bheke, his debut national camp will be invaluable as he learns from these seasoned players.
Still awaiting his first win with India, the India head coach is patient and not too desperate at the moment. For now, the key is to find the right groove with the right bunch and get results where they matter the most.
“Obviously everyone wants to win every game. But the feeling we got after the draw with Vietnam was completely different from what we got after drawing with Mauritius or losing to Syria. In some moments, we played superb. The one key thing is that the players have to believe in our style of play. I want to win every game and even every training session. The Malaysia game is the last friendly window before the official games.”