Which ISL team has contributed most players to India's probable squad for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers?

India have begun their camp for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in Bengaluru.

The Indian Football Team are set for another gruelling and crucial assignment as they prepare for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, with players from various ISL clubs vying for a spot in the final squad.

After a tragic start to the campaign, with only a point in the first two games, the Blue Tigers will have a shot at redemption against Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup qualifying fixtures in October.

The newly appointed India head coach, Khalid Jamil, fresh from his CAFA Nations Cup heroics, has called up 33 probables for the India camp. The training camp has kicked off in Bengaluru on September 20.

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The probable squad has some interesting names, which also include an unprecedented nine members of the India U23 team who made headlines in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

In this article, we will look at how many players each ISL club has contributed to the India camp. These numbers also reflect the standing of ISL clubs in the current circumstances, and where exactly Khalid has set his eyes on to find match-winners for his team.

Also Read: Optimistic Khalid Jamil opens up on AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers preparations, Jhingan’s injury update

Bengaluru FC (8 players)

Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Rahul Bheke, Ricky Meetei, Naorem Roshan Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Suresh Singh Wangjam

Bengaluru FC have contributed as many as 8 players to the probable squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the most by any ISL club. The most notable inclusion is of the Indian legend Sunil Chhetri.

The experienced talisman was not called up for the squad that participated in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. Khalid Jamil was trying new faces but kept the door open for Sunil, who has now ensured his entry into the team.

Another name among the BFC players that caught the attention is Ricky Meetei. The 19-year-old dynamic right-back was one of the promising stars from India’s impressive AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifying campaign.

His partnership with Suhail on the right flank was a potent combination that kept the opposition defenders on their toes. It will be interesting to see if Ricky makes his way into the final squad or not.

NorthEast United FC (5 Players)

Gurmeet Singh, Jithin MS, Macarton Louis Nickson, Parthib Gogoi, Asheer Akhtar

NorthEast United FC have been on the right track, and it is not just visible in their glittering trophy cabinet, but their representation in the national team has also shot up. The 33-member probable squad has five highlanders adding value to it.

Gurmeet Singh has made a comeback to the probable squad on the back of consistent performances in the ISL and a victorious Durand Cup campaign. Khalid Jamil has again shown faith in Jithin MS, who could not produce anything magical in the CAFA Nations Cup.

The highlight of the NorthEast contingent in the probable squad is the presence of two U23 stars. Macarton Louis Nickson has found his name in the squad after his standout performances in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Parthib Gogoi has also been called up. Khalid is aware of the untapped potential that Parthib has.

Punjab FC (4 Players)

Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Nikhil Prabhu, Muhammed Suhail

Punjab FC have a strong representation this time that includes two emerging prodigies who gave Indian Football fans a treat during the recently concluded AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Muhammad Suhail, the star of India’s campaign in the qualifiers, has received an instant call-up from Khalid Jamil. Pramveer will join Suhail, adding more depth to defensive options at Jamil’s disposal.

From the CAFA Nations Cup squad, Muhammad Uvais and Nikhil Prabhu have retained their place after making their mark in the 8-nation tournament.

Mumbai City FC (4 Players)

Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh, Brandon Fernandes

Khalid Jamil called up Brandon Fernandes late, taking the number of players from Mumbai City FC to four. Brandon was not in the CAFA Nations Cup squad either, and there were doubts over his future in the national team, but a late call-up has brought him back into the mix.

Valpuia, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Vikram Partap are the other three Islanders among the probables. Valpuia impressed in the right-back role in the CAFA Nations Cup, but Chhangte and Vikram Partap will have to find their groove if they want to cement their place in the team.

Kerala Blasters FC (4 Players)

Bikash Yumnam, Danish Farooq Bhat, Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan

The Kerala Blasters contingent is dominated by U23 players who had a major impact on India’s run in the qualifiers. Bikash Yumnam, the skipper of the Indian U23 team, was a leader in the backline who marshalled the defence.

Mohammad Aimen and Vibin Mohanan registered multiple goals to their name, proving their worth on the international stage. We can expect these two names to be there in the final squad. However, Danish Farooq’s place is still up in the air.

East Bengal FC (3 players)

Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Mahesh Singh Naorem

Khalid Jamil has included three East Bengal players in the 33-member probable squad. Anwar Ali is evolving into the linchpin of India’s defence. He makes a formidable centre-back pairing with Sandesh Jhingan, and his place in the final squad is guaranteed.

Mahesh could not produce breakthrough performances in the CAFA Nations Cup, but he also had to shuffle between positions, which affected his performance.

The qualifying fixtures in October will be a tricky test for him. Whereas for Jeakson, these qualifiers will decide his immediate future in the national team.

Chennaiyin FC (2 Players)

Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary

Irfan Yadwad, after his shambolic show in the CAFA Nations Cup, will have to produce something miraculous to stay in Jamil’s plans. He started in all the matches for India but could not make his presence felt. This might be his last opportunity in the short run to prove himself on the international stage.

Another forward from Chennaiyin FC in the probable squad is Farukh Choudhary. The 28-year-old is one of the late entrants in the camp. He would be hoping to impress Jamil, pushing for a spot in the final squad. Farukh scored against Vietnam last year, and that is the benchmark that he’ll try to reach again.

Jamshedpur FC (2 Players)

Mohammed Sanan K, Manvir Singh Jr

From Jamshedpur FC, Mohammed Sanan and Manvir Singh Jr have made it to the probable squad. Sanan turned heads with his heroics on the left wing for India in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers. His inclusion in the squad boosts India’s attacking prowess. The Kerala lad has played under Khalid Jamil in the ISL before.

Manvir Singh Jr is among the No.9 options for Khalid Jamil. He appeared in the later stages of the CAFA Nations Cup but had nothing much to show in terms of output.

Odisha FC (1 player)

Amrinder Singh

Amrinder Singh is the only player from Odisha FC in the probable squad for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. He and Gurmeet will be the backup options for Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Mohun Bagan and FC Goa players to join later

Khalid Jamil has not called up players from Mohun Bagan and FC Goa as they are busy with club commitments. Both ISL clubs are playing their next AFC Champions League 2 fixtures in a few days, warranting the availability of all the key players.

The Mariners and Gaurs will join the probable squad in the first week of October after the conclusion of the second matchday of ACL 2.

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