India vs Malaysia Football Friendly: Kerala Blasters Midfielder Earns Maiden Call Up, Sandesh Jhingan Returns

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India vs Malaysia Football Friendly: India's national football team is gearing up for an international friendly against Malaysia on November 18 in Hyderabad. Among the 26-member squad announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), two Kerala-based players have made headlines.

Kerala Blasters midfielder Vibin Mohanan and NorthEast United winger Jithin MS, both earning their places in the senior national team under head coach Manolo Marquez. For Vibin, this call-up marks a significant career milestone as he joins the senior squad for the first time.

India's 26-man squad for Malaysia friendly

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Aakash Sangwan, Anwar Ali, Asish Rai, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jithin MS, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan.

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh.

Vibin, who has represented India in various youth teams, has impressed this season with his performances for Kerala Blasters. Known for his trickery and skill in midfield, he will join the team camp in Hyderabad starting November 11. Vibin's inclusion is especially notable as he is the only Kerala Blasters player in the squad, and fans are hopeful he'll make his senior debut.

Sandesh Jhingan returns

The squad also welcomes back senior centre-back Sandesh Jhingan, whose return is eagerly anticipated. The 31-year-old defender suffered a severe knee injury during India's AFC Asian Cup group-stage clash against Syria in January, leading to two surgeries and months of recovery.

His absence left a gap in India's defense, and his comeback brings a much-needed boost to the backline. Fully match-fit, Jhingan will anchor the defense against Malaysia, aiming to regain his form and provide the stability India needs.

The upcoming friendly is also a fresh opportunity for coach Manolo Marquez to find his first victory with India since his appointment in July. To bolster his options, Marquez has brought in rising talents like Chennaiyin FC's Irfan Yadwad, who has made an impression with a goal and two assists this season. Other notable selections include seasoned midfielders Anirudh Thapa and Apuia, who will add creativity and experience.

In defense, Mumbai City FC's Hmingthanmawia Ralte and Bengaluru FC's Rahul Bheke make their returns to strengthen India's backline, while regulars like Subhasish Bose, Nikhil Poojary, and Aakash Sangwan have missed out this time.