Syed Nabi left out of India’s friendly against Tajikistan

Key midfielder Syed Rahim Nabi and goalkeeper Subrata Paul were on Monday left out of a 20-member Indian football squad announced for the away international friendly match against Tajikistan to be played on August 14. Nabi, who reported for the IMG-Reliance camp in Mumbai on August 2 for a pre-season camp for the IPL-style football tournament early next year, was the surprise omission from the squad.

Asked about Nabi’s omission, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said he was not in a position to give reason. ‘The national coach would tell the reason,’ he said. AIFF director of national teams, Subhankar Mukherjee said Nabi was not fit. ‘Nabi is not fit,’ Mukherjee said when asked if there was any specific reason for Nabi to be left out.

Paul’s omission was not altogether unexpected as he had not been in the best of form in the past one year and he was replaced under the bar by veteran Sandip Nandy in India’s last international friendly on February 6. Other notable players left out include winger Anthony Pereira and young Alwyn George who played in the Palestine friendly.

National coach Wim Koevermans also brought back Robin Singh as the third striker in the squad along with captain Sunil Chhetri and uncapped Sporting Clube de Goa forward Dawson Fernandes.