Indian National Team Head Coach Manolo Marquez on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, unveiled a list of 26 probables for India’s preparatory camp ahead of the three-nation Intercontinental Cup. The tournament will be held in Hyderabad during the FIFA window from September 3 to 9, 2024.
The tournament will feature Syria, ranked 93rd in the latest FIFA rankings, and Mauritius, currently placed 179th. India, ranked 124th, will host the tournament. The preparatory camp is scheduled to commence in Hyderabad on August 31.
🚨 @IndianFootball Probables are out for the Intercontinental Cup.#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/QtpBUrzCbu
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 21, 2024
However, a few notable omissions from the squad have raised eyebrows among fans across the country. Brandon Fernandes, one of the first names to be mentioned, has been left out, with no official reason given for his exclusion. Another surprise absence is Rahim Ali, who played against Qatar in the World Cup Qualifiers after Sunil Chhetri’s retirement. Additionally Vikram Partap Singh has also been excluded from the probables.
The biggest shock comes in the goalkeeping department, where Manolo Marquez has selected Prabhsukhan Gill over Vishal Kaith as the third-choice goalkeeper. Despite not featuring in the starting XI since the Merdeka Cup 2023, Kaith has been a regular presence in the national team squad for the past two years. His omission, particularly after his impressive performances for Mohun Bagan Super Giants, has sparked questions among fans .
Marquez has also given a first-time call-up to Chennaiyin FC forward Kiyan Nassiri instead of the Former Chennaiyin forward Rahim Ali, who has moved to Odisha FC this transfer Window. Meanwhile, Sandesh Jhingan, a key figure in India’s defense, is also missing from the squad. According to sources close to the team, Jhingan is still recovering from an injury and hasn’t regained full fitness.
Edmund Lalrindika is the only player from the I-League to be named in the squad, while East Bengal forward David Lalhlansanga, who was called up for the last leg of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June, has not been included this time.
Announcing the probables, Márquez, India’s new head coach, expressed his excitement about the upcoming camp: “We are very excited about our first preparatory camp, and I know the players share the same enthusiasm. We are facing two different teams, and while rankings are not very important, we need to work together in the same direction to find the right group of players. I am confident that their commitment will be strong. We are all in pre-season with great challenges ahead. Wearing the national team jersey is a big honor, and we need to demonstrate that to all our fans.”
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