Top five new faces called up for Indian football team for March international break 2025

The Indian football team is scheduled to compete in two matches in March, facing Maldives and Bangladesh. The game on 19th March against Maldives is a friendly. However, after that the Blue Tigers will commence their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers with a match against Bangladesh on March 25.

Seeking their first win in over a year, the Blue Tigers need to win their group to make it to the tournament in Saudi Arabia. Apart from Bangladesh, India will also play Hong Kong and Singapore, who have been drawn in Group C.

As expected, Manolo Marquez has added new blood to his squad before the upcoming games. 

In this article, let’s look at the five new faces who will represent India for the first time.

Abhishek Tekcham Singh

Abhishek Tekcham Singh has emerged as a prominent player for the Shers during the ISL 2024-25 season. The young talent has delivered several impressive performances throughout the league, establishing himself as a key figure in the starting lineup. He has played in 22 out of 24 matches for Punjab FC, clocking 1957 minutes. 

Abhishek, who was called up to replace Asish Rai, contributes essential agility and speed to the team. From a defensive perspective, the Punjab FC product had made 47 interceptions, 51 clearances, and won 33 tackles. While he has managed to keep only two clean sheets, this experience may prove invaluable for his development.

Ayush Chhetri

FC Goa’s Ayush Chhetri has impressed for Manolo Marquez’s Indian Super League club this season. Hence, it is not unexpected that the 21-year-old has been selected for the Indian national football team.

Ayush Chhetri has been a key player for FC Goa this season, starting in 14 out of the 21 matches he has played in. The young midfielder has made an impact, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists in 1200 minutes of playing time.

Apart from his attacking output, Ayush has also made 62 recoveries, 9 interceptions, and won 57 duels to help his team defensively. Marquez undoubtedly holds the young player in high regard; however, it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will secure a position in the starting lineup.

Boris Singh Thangjam

Playing on FC Goa’s right wing, Boris Singh Thangjam is another Gaur that has shone bright under Manolo Marquez. The 25-year-old has contributed 1 goal and 1 assist this season, having played in 22 matches in the Indian Super League for his team.

Boris Singh's inclusion to the Indian squad will provide essential versatility, as the player from Manipur is capable of performing both as a right back and a right winger, as seen with his club this season.

Defensively, the FC Goa star has made 94 recoveries, 16 interceptions, and has won 76 duels in the league season. With nearly 90 ISL matches under his belt, Boris's extensive experience will undoubtedly benefit him as he prepares to join the national camp.

Brison Fernandes

Brison Fernandes has arguably been the best Indian player in the ISL this season. Another standout from FC Goa, under Manolo Marquez, the Goan winger has shown a promising improvement and currently ranks as the second-highest goalscorer for his club this season.

The 23-year-old has made FC Goa’s left wing his own, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists in 22 ISL games. Brison is also the second-highest Indian goalscorer in the ISL this season, trailing only Sunil Chhetri, who has recently declared his return to the Indian national football team.

Apart from scoring important goals, Brison Fernandes has also created 26 chances and made 70 recoveries for the club this season, showing his importance at FC Goa.

Gurmeet Singh

There has been an interesting switch in the Indian goalkeeping department as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been omitted from the squad entirely. In his place, Gurmeet Singh from NorthEast United has been selected as the new goalkeeper, marking his first inclusion in the Indian team setup.

Gurmeet Singh has experienced a commendable ISL season thus far, achieving 7 clean sheets. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has recorded 67 saves while allowing 29 goals in 23 league matches, having an important impact with his club.

It is expected that Mohun Bagan’s Vishal Kaith will start both the games for the national team in March. However, Gurmeet is likely to be the next option, as the coach, Manolo Marquez, will surely monitor closely to determine who should serve as India's long-term goalkeeper.

Cover Credits - Transfermarkt