Jhingan returns in Manolo Marquez names 26 India probables for Malaysia friendly

India's defensive stalwart Sandesh Jhingan was named in a 26-member probables list for India's home friendly against Malaysia on November 18 in Hyderabad.

In Short

• Sandesh Jhingan returns to India's squad after knee injury
• Coach Manolo Márquez seeks first win with India
• Young talent Irfan Yadwad called up for Malaysia friendly

India's defense is set to receive a much-needed boost with the return of veteran center-back Sandesh Jhingan, who was included in the 26-member probables list for the upcoming friendly against Malaysia on November 18. Jhingan has been sidelined since January due to a knee injury sustained during the AFC Asian Cup, but he has now fully recovered and is ready to rejoin the national squad.

Jhingan’s absence was keenly felt during both the Asian Cup and the latter stages of the Indian Super League (ISL), where he plays for FC Goa. His injury, which he sustained in the first half against Syria, required months of rehabilitation, ruling him out of key matches. Now back to fitness, Jhingan’s experience and defensive prowess are expected to strengthen India’s backline as they prepare to face Malaysia in Hyderabad.

Manolo Márquez, India’s head coach who took charge in July, is still seeking his first victory with the team. The Spanish coach has also rewarded young talent, calling up Chennaiyin FC’s 23-year-old forward Irfan Yadwad, who has impressed in the ISL this season with a goal and two assists under the guidance of coach Owen Coyle. Yadwad’s senior club teammate, Farukh Choudhary, also retains his place in the squad.

The squad selection reflects Márquez’s focus on both experience and emerging talent. Mohun Bagan’s midfield dynamo Anirudh Thapa and versatile midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte (known as Apuia) have also earned call-ups. Jithin MS from NorthEast United FC and Vibin Mohanan from Kerala Blasters FC, who have shown promise, are set to reinforce India’s midfield options.

In defense, Márquez has included Mumbai City FC’s Hmingthanmawia Ralte (Valpuia) and Bengaluru FC’s Rahul Bheke, both of whom are returning to solidify India’s defensive line. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan’s captain Subhasish Bose, along with Nikhil Poojary from Bengaluru FC and Aakash Sangwan of FC Goa, have been omitted from the list for this friendly.

India Probables

===========

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Aakash Sangwan, Anwar Ali, Asish Rai, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem and Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jithin MS, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Vibin Mohanan.

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh and Vikram Partap Singh.