India football squad named for two New Zealand friendlies

The India football squad for two November friendlies in New Zealand was announced by head coach Khalid Jamil on Friday, November 6. The 23-player selection leaves out experienced goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, with Hrithik Tiwari, Som Kumar and Vishal Kaith chosen instead.

India will play the hosts in Auckland on November 12 before travelling to Christchurch for the second meeting on November 15. According to the All India Football Federation, the matches begin at 11:30 IST and 08:30 IST respectively.

The opening fixture is scheduled at Go Media Stadium, while One New Zealand Stadium will stage the second. The travelling group is due to gather in Bengaluru on November 7, train on Sunday and leave for Auckland that night.

SAFF players join the travelling group

Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco have been selected from Naushad Moosa's SAFF Championship contingent. Their inclusion means they will leave the tournament in Dhaka to link up with Jamil's team.

Farukh Choudhary, Noufal PN and Hmingthanmawia Ralte have also been released from that contingent and will rejoin Mumbai City FC. Ronney Kharbudon is unavailable because of injury.

The India football squad includes defenders Akash Mishra, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh and Pramveer. Anirudh Thapa, Ashique Kuruniyan and Lalrinliana Hnamte are among the midfield options, while the forwards include Manvir Singh, Ryan Williams and Edmund Lalrindika.

Jamil described New Zealand as strong opposition and said the away fixtures would help assess his players. He emphasised preparation, disciplined performances and using the two games to improve the team.

Sandhu's omission follows India's 0-4 loss to Brazil in October. The three selected keepers will provide Jamil's options for the upcoming tour.

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