No Chhetri as India announce 23 probables for Bangladesh match

India great Sunil Chhetri was left out as head coach Khalid Jamil on Wednesday announced a 23-member squad of probables for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 18.

Chhetri, with 95 goals in 157 appearances, is India's all-time leading scorer and the fourth-highest scorer in men's international football -- behind Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei of Iran, and Lionel Messi of Argentina.

The 41-year-old has also enjoyed notable success against Bangladesh, scoring six goals in six matches against the men in red and green. It is his second-highest goal tally against a single nation, behind Nepal and the Maldives, against whom he has scored nine each.

Chhetri had announced his retirement in March 2025 but returned to help India push for qualification for the Asian Cup. However, since India are already out of contention for a place in the main tournament in Saudi Arabia in 2027 following their 2-1 defeat to Singapore in Margao last month, his involvement remains uncertain.

More players may still be added to the squad for the national camp starting in Bengaluru on Thursday.

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil.

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Brison Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammed Sanan, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh.