India’s national football team head coach Manolo Marquez has announced a 28-member squad for the upcoming international friendly against Thailand, scheduled to be played on June 4. The announcement came on Wednesday, with the coach confirming that every player currently participating in the national camp in Kolkata will be making the trip.
The camp, which began on May 19, features a mix of experience and youth, including four uncapped players — Nikhil Prabhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Gurmeet Singh, and Suhail Ahmad Bhat — all of whom will travel with the squad to Thailand. The inclusion of these young prospects signals a clear intent from the coaching staff to test emerging talent in competitive conditions.
“We want to give everyone a chance to be tested at the highest level,” said Marquez, reflecting his trust in the younger players and the depth of the current squad.
The team is set to depart for Thailand on Wednesday evening. The friendly will serve as a crucial preparatory fixture for the Blue Tigers ahead of their key AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers third round match, which is scheduled for June 10 in Hong Kong.
The upcoming weeks mark a significant phase for Indian football as the team eyes qualification to the continental tournament. With a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and fresh faces, the squad aims to build cohesion and momentum through the Thailand fixture.
Following the friendly, the Indian team will travel directly to Hong Kong, where they will hope to secure a positive result and inch closer to a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The match against Thailand provides more than just preparation — it offers the players an opportunity to adapt to international intensity, showcase individual growth, and solidify Marquez’s game plan ahead of a crucial qualifying encounter.
India’s supporters will be watching closely, with expectations high as a new era under Manolo Marquez unfolds. The road to the Asian Cup continues, and for many of the young players involved, the journey is just beginning.
India squad for Thailand friendly
Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, Amrinder Singh.
Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Anwar Ali, Boris Singh Thangjam, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Abhishek Singh Tekcham.
Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.
