No major changes in Indian football squad for Oman and Turkmenistan WC qualifying matches

Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh are likely to lead the line for India

The Indian national football team head coach Stephen Constantine has announced the names of the preliminary 22-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Turkmenistan respectively. A national camp is scheduled to determine tactics for the matches, from October 4.

Among the goalkeepers, the first team spot will be a fight between Subrata Paul and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who was the custodian, during India’s last qualifying match against Iran. Apart from the experienced duo, Salgaocar FC goalie Karanjit Singh is set to be the third choice keeper.

The defence, which was hugely credited for their performance against Iran remains unchanged. Leading the defensive line will be Center Back Arnab Mondal, along with full back Sandesh Jhingan, who was recently bestowed with the best Indian footballer honour at the FPAI awards. Others who comprise the defence are Aiborlang Khongjee, Dhanachandra Singh, Lalchuanmawwia, Narayan Das, Rino Anto and Pritam Kotal.

The midfield has one notable absentee in Romeo Fernandes as Constantine chose to go for tried and tested players. The midfield is likely to be spearheaded by FPAI ISL player of the year, Eugenson Lyngdoh and 2014/15 I-league player of the season, Jakichand Singh. Apart from them, Cavin Lobo, Sehnaj Singh and Francis Fernandes are expected to fight for a first team spot. Also included is East Bengal up and comer, Bikash Jairu, who has impressed in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) so far.

No change among the striking options as Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh and Jeje Lalpekhlua will be leading the line for the Indian tigers.

Indian football expert, Novy Kapadia told Sportskeeda, “Romeo Fernandes’ exclusion doesn’t come as a surprise for me, he is yet to prove himself. He could have with Dempo, but is yet to do so. Even with Baljit Sahni, his lack of game-time has costed him. He needs to put in more hours, if he wants a chance to be a part of the national setup.

Find the full 22 man list here:

GOALKEEPERS:

Subrata Paul, Karanjit Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

DEFENDERS:

Arnab Mondal, Sandesh Jhingan, Aiborlang Khongjee, Dhanachandra Singh, Lalchhuanmawia, Narayan Das, Rino Anto, Pritam Kotal.

MIDFIELDERS:

Eugenson Lyngdoh, Cavin Lobo, Sehnaj Singh, Jackichand Singh, Pronoy Halder, Francis Fernandes, Rowlin Borges. Bikash Jairu.

FORWARDS:

Jeje Lalpekhlua, Robin Singh, Sunil Chhetri