Picture Credit: X
India's centre-back Sandesh Jhingan has been ruled out of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. The defender got injured during the game against the reigning champions Iran, played at the Hisor Central Stadium, where the Blue Tigers faced a 0-3 defeat. Jhingan was a vital cog in India’s squad and his unavailability will affect Blue Tigers in the competition. However, it was Khalid Jamil's maiden loss as head coach. His concern will be to solve the Jhingan conundrum and help his team make a comeback against Afghanistan on September 4. Jhinagan will return to India but the Blue Tigers haven’t announced his replacement yet.
Announcing the updates regarding Jhingan, the Indian football team released a statement on X, which read, “Defender Sandesh Jhingan sustained an injury during India's CAFA Nations Cup 2025 match against Iran and has been ruled out of the remaining matches. He will return to India today.”
Huge concern emerges for Goa FC
Following Jhingan’s injury, Goa FC will be worried as the 32-year-old is an essential member of their squad. As the Indian Super League (ISL) is expected to return this December, Goa will want Jhingan to regain his complete fitness before the crucial assignment. Amidst these developments, India will look to win their final group stage fixture against Afghanistan and qualify for the knockout round.
Before the crushing defeat against Iran, India won against the hosts Tajikistan by 2-1 on August 29. India are in second place on the points tally with three points earned through one win in two outings. In Jhingan’s unavailability, his colleagues Chinglensana Singh and Anwar Ali will carry the responsibility to lead India’s defense in the remainder of the tournament. The win against Afghanistan will send India to the playoffs while the stalemate will send them for the third-place contest.
