India's Men's Football Team Reveals Squad for Upcoming Friendlies Against New Zealand
India Squad Announcement for New Zealand Friendlies
On Friday, November 6, Khalid Jamil, the head coach of the Indian men's national football team, announced a 23-player roster for two friendly matches against New Zealand during the FIFA International Match Window in November. The Blue Tigers are set to compete against the All Whites on November 12 at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland at 11:30 IST, followed by another match on November 15 at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch at 08:30 IST, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Squad Changes and Player Updates
The squad features three players—Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail, and Liston Colaco—who were part of Naushad Moosa's SAFF Championship 2026 lineup. These players will not participate in the tournament in Dhaka and will instead join Jamil's team for the New Zealand matches. Additionally, Farukh Choudhary, Noufal PN, and Hmingthanmawia Ralte have been released from the SAFF Championship squad and will return to their club, Mumbai City FC. Ronney Kharbudon will also miss the trip to Dhaka due to an injury.
Preparation and Match Strategy
The Blue Tigers will gather in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 7, for training before their departure to Auckland later that night. Coach Khalid Jamil emphasized the significance of these matches, stating, "New Zealand is a World Cup-playing nation and a formidable opponent. These games will serve as an excellent test for us away from home. Our goal is to prepare thoroughly, maintain discipline, and utilize this opportunity to enhance our team performance."
India's 23-Player Squad List
Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Som Kumar, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Bijoy Varghese, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Pramveer, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Roshan Singh Naorem.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan, Jithin MS, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Tomba Singh Haobam.
Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Edmund Lalrindika, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Muhammad Suhail, Ryan Williams.
Head Coach: Khalid Jamil.
Blue Tigers' Schedule
Thursday, November 12, 11:30 IST: New Zealand vs India (Go Media Stadium, Auckland)
Sunday, November 15, 08:30 IST: New Zealand vs India (One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch).