India's campaign at the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 begins today, August 29, 2025, with a crucial clash against hosts Tajikistan at the Hisor Central Stadium. This match marks the start of a new era for the Blue Tigers under the guidance of their newly appointed head coach, Khalid Jamil. It's also India's debut in the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) tournament.
The Blue Tigers have been drawn in Group B alongside Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Group A consists of Uzbekistan, Oman, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. The top teams from each group will compete in the final, while the second-placed teams will play for third place on September 8.
Khalid Jamil's appointment as the national team's head coach marks a significant moment, as he is the first Indian to take charge since Savio Medeira's short stint between October 2011 and June 2012. Jamil takes over from Spaniard Manolo Marquez.
Jamil has named three captains for the CAFA Nations Cup: Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. He expressed satisfaction with the team's 10-day preparatory camp in Bengaluru. "We had a good preparation for the CAFA Nations Cup. Every player worked hard before coming here. It is a pleasure for us to participate in this tournament," Jamil said.
India and Tajikistan have a history of five encounters, with Tajikistan winning three. India's only victory was in the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 final, where they triumphed 4-1. Jamil is aware of the challenges Tajikistan poses, but he is focused on India playing their own game. "We must focus on our own game and be mentally prepared. It is important for us to play as a unit and keep improving every match. The process will take time," he stated.
The 23-member Indian squad for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 includes:
Notably absent from the squad is veteran striker Sunil Chhetri. Jamil clarified that Chhetri's exclusion is to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup Final Round Qualifiers against Singapore in October. Mohun Bagan players are also unavailable.
The CAFA Nations Cup 2025 will be Jamil's first opportunity to assess his team ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. India has struggled recently, with just two wins in 23 matches since June 2023. India is currently ranked 133rd in the FIFA rankings.
Jamil, who previously led Aizawl FC to an I-League title in 2017 and guided NorthEast United and Jamshedpur to ISL playoffs, is tasked with reviving the national team.
The match between India and Tajikistan will be streamed live on FanCode.
India's Schedule for CAFA Nations Cup 2025:
