India head coach Khalid Jamil has defended dropping several established players for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama, insisting his 26 probables were selected purely on merit and performance.
Former captain Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, Liston Colaco and Jeakson Singh are among the notable omissions.
“I have selected players according to their merits and performance,” Jamil told PTI.
“There are no seniors or juniors. We have to make a balanced team.”
He said the changes were part of a long-term plan to build a side capable of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup, stressing the need for improvement in attacking, defending and set-pieces.
Against three higher-ranked opponents, Jamil said India would remain tactically flexible, using formations such as 3-4-3 or 5-4-1 depending on the situation. “We will go for a win. We will never aim to concede a few goals,” he said.
Jamil praised retired captain Sunil Chhetri, calling him India’s “number one” and a role model, but ruled out recalling him for a farewell appearance against Brazil.
“We are building a new team,” he said, adding that Chhetri’s decision to retire must be respected.