India’s run in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers hasn’t really gone to plan. With one game left against Hong Kong, the focus has shifted. It’s no longer about qualifying, that door is almost shut. Now it’s about finishing well and giving fans something to take away from a tough campaign.
Naturally, one name people keep looking for is Sunil Chhetri. But if you go through the 23-man squad announced by Khalid Jamil, his name isn’t there. So, unless there’s a late change, Chhetri won’t be part of this game for India.
It’s not entirely unexpected either. He had already stepped away from international duty earlier, and the current squad looks like it’s moving in a slightly different direction.
Who will be playing for India against Hong Kong?
There are a few interesting decisions in the team selection. Akash Mishra and Abhishek Singh are back after injuries, which gives some balance in defense. Bijoy Varghese has also been included after a strong run in the ISL, so that’s a reward for consistency at the club level.
Then there’s Abneet Bharti, who plays his football in Bolivia. His inclusion stands out because it shows the management is open to looking beyond the usual pool of players.
Squad announcement for #INDHKG 🇮🇳🇭🇰
🐯 #BlueTigers head coach Khalid Jamil has named his 23-member squad for India's final #ACQ2027 fixture on March 31.#IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/EskaBa6ky5
— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) March 24, 2026
At the same time, a few regular names are missing. Players like Anirudh Thapa and Suresh Singh Wangjam haven’t made the cut this time, which suggests that Jamil is trying a different mix rather than sticking to what hasn’t worked so far.
The results in this campaign explain a lot of these changes. India have struggled, picking up three losses and two draws in five matches. The defeat to Hong Kong earlier still feels frustrating, especially because it came so late in the game.
This final match now becomes more about response than results. Without Chhetri, the attack will depend on players like Chhangte, Manvir Singh, and Liston Colaco. They’ve all had their moments, but replacing someone like Chhetri isn’t just about goals. It’s also about presence and experience, which is harder to fill.
For years, he was the one fans looked at when things got difficult. This time, it’s a different group that has to step up. Whether they manage to do that or not is what will define how this campaign is remembered.
Also Read: Future Of Football: New Rules And Tech Changes That Could Transform The Game
