India’s football head coach Igor Stimac has named India’s 27-member squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait. This will be the swansong for Indian captain Sunil Chhetri, who recently announced his retirement.

Stimac had earlier picked a 32-man squad, that had been training in Bhubaneshwar but now has churned it down to 27. Players like goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, defender Muhammad Hammad and forwards Parthib Gogoi, Imran Khan, and Jithin MS have been released from the camp.

The Croatian revealed that defender Muhammad Hammad and forward Parthib Gogoi have suffered minor injuries.

“All of them were very professional and hard-working. The competition is really strong amongst them, especially in the positions of Jithin and Parthib. Parthib and Hammad suffered minor injuries a few days back and will need 7-14 days of rest,” Stimac was quoted as saying as per the-aiff.com. 

Forwards Edmund Lalrindika and David Lalhlansanga have been included in the squad after impressive performances in the I-League 2023-24 season. 

The 27 players will continue their training in Bhubaneswar until May 29. The Blue Tigers are set to face Kuwait at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on June 6.

Meanwhile, Sunil Chhetri will look to bid adieu to the game on a high.

Here is India’s 27-member squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Kuwait:

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

Defenders: Amey Ranawade, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Narender Gahlot, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.