India vs Kuwait: Nandhakumar Sekar Returns to National Squad, Parthib Gogoi, MS Jithin Left Out

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India's coach Igor Stimac has announced the squad for the pivotal FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata.

With abundant talent in the wide forward positions, NorthEast United wingers Parthib Gogoi and MS Jithin have not been included in the 27-man squad. The training camp is currently underway in Bhubaneswar.

Both Jithin and Gogoi had standout seasons for NorthEast United. Gogoi, an emerging talent, impressed with his performances, while Jithin was a consistent performer throughout the ISL 2023-24 season, which concluded last month.

East Bengal forward Nandhakumar Sekar returns to the national team for this crucial match after being left out following the SAFF Championships in 2023. Despite a mixed season with the Kolkata Giants, who missed the playoffs, Nandhakumar showcased his knack for scoring in significant matches, including two winning goals in the Kolkata Derbies last season.

Other notable omissions from the squad include Jamshedpur winger Imran Khan and ISL champion goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. While these exclusions may seem contentious, they are justified considering the strong lineup of wide forwards selected: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Nandhakumar Sekar, Manvir Singh, and Vikram Partap Singh.

Among the strikers, India's legendary Sunil Chhetri is a central figure in this match, as he will retire from international football after this game. I-League's David Lalhlansanga, who scored 11 goals last season for Mohammedan Sporting and helped them qualify for the ISL, is viewed as a potential future replacement for Chhetri. Chennaiyin FC striker Rahim Ali is also included in the squad.

In an AIFF press release, Stimac praised the professionalism and hard work of the players who were released from the camp. He explained, "All of them were very professional and hard-working. The competition is really strong amongst them, especially in the positions of Jithin and Parthib. Parthib and Hammad suffered minor injuries a few days back and will need 7-14 days of rest."

The remaining players will continue training in Bhubaneswar until May 29, before traveling to Kolkata. India will face Kuwait at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on June 6, followed by an away match against Qatar on June 11. India is currently second in Group A, with four points from four matches. The top two teams will qualify for Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

India's 27-member squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Kuwait

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith
Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.