Seven Indian Youngsters Overlooked for September Friendlies

Head coach Khalid Jamil announced a 26-member Indian national team squad on August 31 for a September-October camp featuring high-profile friendlies. The Blue Tigers will face fifth-ranked Brazil, 20th-ranked Uruguay, and 44th-ranked Panama during the international window.

While Jamil has excluded several senior players like Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, and captain Sandesh Jhingan, fans and analysts argue the selection is not a full shift towards youth. Several underperforming veterans retain their places, creating confusion over the team's direction. The source highlights seven young Indian players who impressed recently but were not called up.

Joseph Sunny, Sporting Club Delhi

Joseph Sunny has been among India's most lethal forwards since the start of the 2025-26 Indian Super League season. The Sporting Club Delhi attacker recorded five goal contributions last term and carried his form into the new campaign. He scored a brace in the 2026 Durand Cup quarter-finals to spark a comeback. At 30, current squad member Manvir Singh has had numerous national team chances without consistent success, leading to calls for a younger alternative like Sunny.

Ebindas Yesudasan, Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters midfielder Ebindas Yesudasan provided five assists in the 2025-26 ISL season, tying for the league lead. With India struggling to create chances centrally, his creative skills could have offered cover for Sahal Abdul Samad, the squad's only natural creative midfielder. His set-piece threat was also cited as a potential asset against top opposition.

Mohammed Aimen, Sporting Club Delhi

Mohammed Aimen is an agile winger known for his dribbling and long-range shooting. His pace on the counter-attack could have provided a important outlet against teams likely to push high defensive lines. Aimen featured in the 2026 Durand Cup, registering a goal and two assists, giving him match fitness some squad members lack. The report argues he deserved a chance over omitted winger Ashique Kuruniyan, who has played no competitive football recently.

Lalremtluanga Fanai, Bengaluru FC

Fanai, a star for the India U-23 side, excels in a deep midfield role, recycling possession and breaking up plays. He registered four assists in the last ISL season from a deep position. The report suggests he could have been selected ahead of players like Farukh Choudhary, who is not a natural midfielder. Fanai's leadership could also help offset the loss of experienced figures like Rahul Bheke and Sandesh Jhingan.

David Lalhlansanga, East Bengal FC

David Lalhlansanga has emerged as a super-sub for East Bengal, contributing to their AFC Champions League Two qualifier and Durand Cup success. With a goal and assist against Al-Arabi and another Durand Cup goal, his confidence is high. The source states this presented a perfect opportunity for Jamil to integrate him into the senior setup.

**Lalrinliana Hnamte, Sporting Club Delhi**

India U-23 captain Lalrinliana Hnamte, now at Sporting Club Delhi, was again overlooked. He orchestrates the U-23 midfield with energy and has started the new season in fine form. Hnamte has four goal contributions in five starts, including a brace against Jamshedpur FC. He is noted for making late runs into the box to score important goals.

**Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Mohun Bagan SG**

Suhail Ahmad Bhat, a regular for India U-23 but rarely for Mohun Bagan's senior team, has a prolific record with the youth national side. He has scored eight times for the U-23s and netted six goals in the 2025-26 Calcutta Football League plus two in the 2026 Durand Cup. The report questions continuing to select forwards like Manvir Singh and Rahim Ali over him.

Khel Now's analysis acknowledges Jamil has promoted some youngsters like Som Kumar and Ricky Meetei. However, it concludes the coach could have gone further by fully dropping underperforming veterans to make room for the deserving U-23 talents.