Sunil Chhetri dropped from squad for India's Asian Cup qualifier due to 1-match suspension

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Bengaluru, March 9: The Indian national football team skipper Sunil Chhetri has been dropped for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier match against Kyrgyz Republic, scheduled to be played at the Dolon Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek on March 27, due to a one-match suspension after picking up two yellow cards. Chhetri, who captains Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, is India's top goal-scorer with 56 goals in 97 matches. He's also the highest Indian top-scorer in the ISL with 10 goals in 19 appearances.

Chhetri played a huge role in India's progress to the main draw of the AFC Asian Cup, scoring an injury-time goal against Myanmar in Yangon, besides netting the winner in the home game against Kyrgyz Republic in Bengaluru.

He also struck from the spot in the home game against Myanmar in Goa, which the hosts fought back 2-2 to remain unbeaten in 13 matches. He also found the net against Macao in Bengaluru, which India comfortably won 4-1.

He picked up his first yellow against Myanmar in Yangon in March last year and received his second booking on November 14.

Coach Stephen Constantine list of 32 probables for the last match of their Asian Cup qualifying round does not feature Kerala Blasters' CK Vineeth or ATK's Robin Singh, both of who have not had the best of seasons. Young forward Hitesh Sharma and Jamshedpur FC's Sumeet Passi are surprise inclusions. Shillong Lajong striker Alen Deory has been rewarded for his consistent performance in the I-League.

FC Pune City goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who has been impressive in this ISL, has been called up. Also earning a call-up from Ranko Popovic's FC Pune City is Sarthak Goloui, who scored against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. NorthEast United striker Seminlen Doungel also figures among the probables.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh misses out as he's yet to recover from his injury. Bengaluru FC's Rahul Bheke, who was hoping to be called up, was not included.

In Chhetri's absence, it's expected that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the India No 1 goalkeeper, will lead the side.

India already sealed their progress to the main draw of the 2019 tournament, to be held in the United Arab Emirates, with two games to spare after beating Macao in October 2017.

The players are expected to be part of a training camp in Mumbai.

The match will be held at the Kyrgyzstan capital on March 27 at 7.30 pm IST (8 pm local time).

The list of probables:

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

Defenders: Pritam Kotal, Nishu Kumar, Lalruatthara, Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Salam Ranjan Singh, Sarthak Golui, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Narayan Das, Subhasish Bose.

Midfielders: Jackichand Singh, Udanta Singh, Seityasen Singh, Dhanapal Ghanesh, Anirudh Thapa, Germanpreet Singh, Rowllin Borges, Md. Rafique, Cavin Lobo, Bikash Jairu, Halicharan Narzary.

Forwards: Hitesh Sharma, Balwant Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Seminlen Doungel, Alen Deory, Manvir Singh, Sumeet Passi.