India Announce 23-Player Squad for New Zealand Friendlies

India have confirmed their 23-player squad for the upcoming international friendlies against New Zealand during the November FIFA International Match Window. Head coach Khalid Jamil announced the team on Friday, November 6, as the Blue Tigers prepare for two away matches against the All Whites.

The Indian team will face New Zealand on November 12 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland before travelling to Christchurch for the second friendly on November 15. Both matches will provide India with an opportunity to test themselves against a World Cup-playing nation and continue their preparations at the international level.

The squad announcement also brings changes to India’s ongoing SAFF Championship 2026 campaign. Three players from Naushad Moosa’s tournament squad, Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco, have been selected for the New Zealand trip and will leave the competition in Dhaka to join Jamil’s team.

Khalid Jamil announces India’s 23-player squad

Jamil has selected 23 players across four positions for the two friendlies. The squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and six forwards.

Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco are the three players moving from the SAFF Championship squad to the New Zealand-bound team. Their inclusion means they will not continue in the tournament in Dhaka and will instead link up with the senior national team.

There are also changes involving players who will not travel to New Zealand. Farukh Choudhary, Noufal PN and Hmingthanmawia Ralte have been released from the SAFF Championship squad and will return to their club, Mumbai City FC. Ronney Kharbudon will also miss the trip to Dhaka because of an injury.

India’s complete 23-player squad for the New Zealand friendlies

Goalkeepers

• Hrithik Tiwari
• Som Kumar
• Vishal Kaith

Defenders

• Abhishek Singh Tekcham
• Akash Mishra
• Bijoy Varghese
• Jay Gupta
• Mehtab Singh
• Pramveer
• Ricky Meetei Haobam
• Roshan Singh Naorem

Midfielders

• Anirudh Thapa
• Ashique Kuruniyan
• Jithin MS
• Lalremtluanga Fanai
• Lalrinliana Hnamte
• Tomba Singh Haobam

Forwards

• David Lalhlansanga
• Edmund Lalrindika
• Liston Colaco
• Manvir Singh
• Muhammad Suhail
• Ryan Williams

Head coach: Khalid Jamil

India’s November friendly schedule in New Zealand

The Blue Tigers will play both matches away from home, with the first encounter scheduled in Auckland and the second in Christchurch. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed the venues and kick-off times.

• Thursday, November 12: New Zealand vs India, 11:30 IST, Go Media Stadium, Auckland.
• Sunday, November 15: New Zealand vs India, 08:30 IST, One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch.

The two fixtures will give Jamil’s side a chance to measure its performance against New Zealand in different venues during the international window.

India to assemble in Bengaluru before departing

The New Zealand-bound squad will assemble in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 7. The players are scheduled to hold a training session on Sunday before departing for Auckland later that night.

The preparation period will allow the coaching staff to bring the selected players together before the first friendly. With two matches scheduled within three days, the team will also need to manage its preparations for the away fixtures in Auckland and Christchurch.

Khalid Jamil describes New Zealand as a strong opponent

Jamil acknowledged the challenge of facing New Zealand and said the matches would provide an important test for India away from home. The head coach also highlighted the team’s intention to prepare carefully, maintain discipline and use the opportunity to improve.

“New Zealand are also a World Cup-playing nation and a strong opponent, and these two matches will be a good test for us away from home. We want to prepare well, play with discipline and use this opportunity to improve as a team.”

India’s two friendlies against the All Whites will be part of the November FIFA International Match Window. With the squad now confirmed, the Blue Tigers will begin their preparations in Bengaluru before travelling to New Zealand for the November 12 and 15 encounters.