India withdraws players midway through SAFF 2026!
Photo: Agamir Somoy
India's main team did not come to Dhaka due to playing a friendly match against New Zealand. Now it has emerged that India is taking several players from the current squad on the New Zealand tour as well, in the middle of the SAFF tournament!
While the SAFF Championship is underway in Dhaka, India has announced a 23-member squad for the New Zealand tour. India's head coach Khalid Jamil announced the squad for the two-match friendly series.
India will play two international friendlies against New Zealand on November 12 and 15. The first match will be in Auckland, the second in Christchurch.
The announced squad includes three footballers who have been playing in the SAFF Championship—Vijay Varghese, Muhammad Suhail, and Liston Colaso. They will no longer play in the ongoing SAFF in Dhaka. They will join the New Zealand tour under Khalid Jamil.
Meanwhile, Farukh Choudhury, Naofal PN, and Himthanmawia Ralte have also been released from the SAFF squad. They will return to their club Mumbai City FC.
The Indian team will assemble in Bengaluru on November 7. After training the next day, they are scheduled to depart for New Zealand that night.
Coach Khalid Jamil is optimistic about the two matches against New Zealand. He said, "New Zealand is also a team that has played in the World Cup. They are a strong opponent. These two matches outside the country will be a good test for us. We want to prepare well, play disciplined football, and use the opportunity to improve ourselves as a team."
India's last international matches were in the September-October window. At that time, they drew 1-1 with Panama but lost 4-0 to Brazil and 6-1 to Uruguay. New Zealand is ranked 88th in the FIFA rankings, while India is 138th.
