India vs Malaysia Football Match: Two Mohun Bagan Stars Among Players Dropped from India Squad

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The Indian football team, set to face Malaysia in a friendly on November 18 in Hyderabad, has unveiled a fresh 26-member squad under head coach Manolo Marquez. Among the key exclusions are two prominent Mohun Bagan players.

Sahal Abdul Samad and Subhashish Bose, whose omissions have stirred conversations among fans and analysts alike while Bengaluru FC's right back Nikhil Poojary, a regular feature in the national team, is also snubbed among some other names.

India vs Malaysia Football: Players dropped by Manolo Marquez

• Sahal Abdul Samad (Mohun Bagan)
• Subhasish Bose (Mohun Bagan)
• Nikhil Poojary (Bengaluru FC)
• Lalrinliana Hnamte (Chennaiyin FC)

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

Mohun Bagan midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad has had a decent start in the Indian Super League (ISL) season. However, his inconsistency in the national setup may have prompted Marquez to explore other options. Sahal was previously absent from India's October friendlies due to an injury but even with his return to club football, the coach has opted for emerging talents like Jithin MS and Vibin Mohanan, both of whom have shown strong form in recent matches.

However, the biggest shocker is the exclusion of MBSG captain and left-back Subhashish Bose, a regular figure in India's defensive line, is another notable exclusion. Known for his experience and aerial ability, Bose has also contributed offensively for Mohun Bagan this season, scoring three goals.

His absence in the squad is somewhat surprising, given his track record and consistent role as a starter as FC Goa's Akash Sangwan is the sole left-back in the 26-man squad. Also left out is Lalrinliana Hnamte, a midfielder who made headlines with Mohun Bagan last season before transferring to Chennaiyin FC and was picked up for the national team for the Vietnam match last month.

The decision reflects Marquez's strategy to prioritize in-form players, especially given the competition in midfield positions, where young talents like Jithin and Vibin are vying for a spot.

Meanwhile, Nikhil Poojary, who has started the season well with Bengaluru FC, was also excluded, largely due to a hamstring injury sustained during a recent match against Kerala Blasters. Poojary's absence, while unfortunate, allows Marquez to assess other defensive configurations as he continues to refine the team's tactics.

The upcoming friendly provides an opportunity for new players to showcase their skills on the international stage, while the exclusions of established names like Sahal, Bose, Hnamte, and Poojary point to Marquez's willingness to experiment and find the best fit for his tactical vision. As fans gear up for the game, all eyes will be on the new lineup and how they perform against Malaysia's challenge.

India 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.