Chennaiyin FC forward Kiyan Nassiri, son of East Bengal legend Jamshid Nassiri, has moved closer to his first India call-up. He is among the 26 probables selected by new head coach Manolo Marquez for the Intercontinental Cup preparatory camp. However, influential center-back Sandesh Jhingan is notably absent.
New Faces in the Squad
Kiyan Nassiri joins Mohun Bagan SG right-back Ashish Rai and East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, who are also new faces. Both players have yet to make their senior India debut. Their selection highlights Marquez’s focus on integrating young talent. The preparatory camp will lead up to the Intercontinental Cup, scheduled from September 3-9 in Hyderabad.
Absence of Sandesh Jhingan
Sandesh Jhingan’s absence is significant. The 31-year-old defender is still recovering from a right knee injury sustained during India’s Asian Cup match against Syria in January. He also missed the team’s camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar in May. Jhingan’s injury leaves a gap in the defense, and it’s uncertain who will fill his role.
Marquez’s First Challenge
The fourth Intercontinental Cup will be the first major tournament since Sunil Chhetri’s retirement and Marquez’s debut as India’s head coach. Marquez expressed excitement for the camp, stating, “We are thrilled about our first preparatory camp, and I know the players are too.”
Marquez stressed that while the opponents’ FIFA rankings—Syria (93rd) and Mauritius (179th)—are not crucial, building a cohesive team is key. India, ranked 124th, must perform well to compete effectively.
Rising Stars
Kiyan Nassiri has impressed with Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League. Raised in Kolkata, with a mother from Shillong, Kiyan’s football roots run deep. His father, Jamshid Nassiri, was a prominent player for East Bengal and represented Iran in the 1977 FIFA World Youth Championship. Kiyan’s potential inclusion excites fans eager to see him on the international stage.
Other young talents include Nikhil Poojary, Chinglensana Singh, and Roshan Singh Naorem. Their inclusion shows Marquez’s strategy to mix youth with experience. The Hyderabad camp, starting August 31, is crucial for these players to prove themselves and secure a spot in the final squad.
Looking Ahead
India’s preparation for the Intercontinental Cup focuses on both immediate performance and future potential. Marquez’s approach to involving young players is a positive step for building a stronger team.
As the tournament approaches, the team’s performance will be closely watched. The absence of veterans like Sunil Chhetri and Sandesh Jhingan creates opportunities for new leaders to emerge.
Conclusion
The probables for the Intercontinental Cup showcase a blend of new talent and experienced players. Kiyan Nassiri’s inclusion and Sandesh Jhingan’s absence are key highlights. With the camp starting soon, all eyes will be on how these players perform under Manolo Marquez’s guidance. The Intercontinental Cup in Hyderabad will be a crucial test for India’s football future. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
