India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player, Sunil Chhetri, has been named in the 30-player probables list for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. This marks his return to the national team after a brief retirement.

The preparatory camp will commence in Bengaluru on September 20, with players reporting a day earlier. Chhetri, absent during India’s bronze medal finish at the CAFA Nations Cup, is among the squad’s most notable inclusions.

During the announcement, Jamil defended his decision to keep the 40-year-old striker in consideration. “Sunil is a legend of Indian football. I have played against him, I’ve seen him play on numerous occasions, and he is one of my favourite players. He is a role model for Indian football, and the door is always open for him,” he said.

Chhetri had announced his retirement from international football in June 2024, following India’s 0–0 draw against Kuwait in a World Cup qualifier.

However, in March 2025, he reversed his decision and returned to the national team, citing a request from then-coach Manolo Márquez and a desire to contribute to India’s qualification campaign

The list also features emerging talents such as Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan and Muhammed Suhail, who impressed during the Under-23 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Players from Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa will join after completing their AFC Champions League Two commitments.

Also read: India U20 women qualify for AFC Asian Cup after 20 years

Five players have been named on standby, including two from the U23 men’s national team and three senior players, with their names to be announced later.

The camp aims to prepare the Blue Tigers for their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round Group C fixtures. India will face Singapore twice — on October 9 at the National Stadium, Singapore, and on October 14 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Margao. The final squad for the matches will be selected from the 30 probables.

Probables squad:

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jithin MS, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammed Aimen, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan

Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh (jr), Mohammed Sanan K, Muhammed Suhail, Parthib Gogoi, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh

Head Coach: Khalid Jamil