Newly appointed India head coach Khalid Jamil on Monday announced his 23-member squad for the upcoming CAFA Nations Cup, brushing aside concerns over the unavailability of Mohun Bagan players.
The Kolkata club, which had seven names in the initial probables, has refused to release its players, citing the risk of injuries ahead of its AFC Champions League 2 commitments beginning September 16. Jamil, however, remained pragmatic, saying he will work with the resources at his disposal.
“Whatever resources I have got or available, you have to use them. The attitude of the senior players like Anwar (Ali) and Sandesh (Jhingan) has been very good. I have full support and I haven’t felt any difficulty,” Jamil said at the squad unveiling in Bengaluru.
On the absence of Mohun Bagan players, Jamil added: “Mohun Bagan’s players are not available, the rest of them have come. I never felt like they have a disturbed mind. They know they have to do well once they get out on the field. My preparation is for the tournament.”
Jamil also clarified the situation regarding Sunil Chhetri, who was not named in the squad. “After this match, Sunil will be available. If he is fit, he is most welcome,” he said, indicating the veteran striker could return later in the season.
India have been drawn in Group B of the CAFA Nations Cup and will leave shortly for Hisor, Tajikistan. The Blue Tigers face the hosts on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. The third-place playoff and final are scheduled for September 8 in Hisor and Tashkent, respectively.
Acknowledging the constraints, Jamil emphasised his faith in the group at hand. “There will be a mutual understanding in the coming days with the clubs,” he said, signalling optimism about smoother coordination in future national team call-ups.
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