India head coach Khalid Jamil has announced a 23-member squad for the national team’s two international friendlies against New Zealand during the November 2026 FIFA International Match Window. The squad was confirmed on Friday, November 6, as the Blue Tigers prepare for a challenging away assignment against the All Whites.

India will take on New Zealand on November 12 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 AM IST. The second encounter will take place on November 15 at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, starting at 8:30 AM IST.

Three Players Join India Squad from SAFF Championship

The 23-member squad features three players who were initially selected for Naushad Moosa’s India squad for the SAFF Championship 2026 in Dhaka. Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail and Liston Colaco have been called up by Khalid Jamil and will leave the tournament to join the senior national team for the New Zealand tour.

Meanwhile, Farukh Choudhary, Noufal PN and Hmingthanmawia Ralte have been released from the SAFF Championship squad and will return to their club, Mumbai City FC.

In another development, Ronney Kharbudon has been ruled out of travelling to Dhaka due to an injury.

India Squad to Assemble in Bengaluru

The New Zealand-bound contingent will assemble in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 7. The players will undergo a training session on Sunday before departing for Auckland later that night.

The two matches will provide India with an opportunity to test themselves against a strong international opponent away from home.

Speaking about the upcoming fixtures, head coach Khalid Jamil highlighted the importance of facing a team that has qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

“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,” Jamil said.

India’s 23-Member Squad for 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 vs New Zealand: Match Schedule

The Blue Tigers will play two international friendlies against New Zealand as part of the November FIFA International Match Window.

First Friendly

Match: New Zealand vs India
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Kick-off: 11:30 AM IST
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Second Friendly

Match: New Zealand vs India
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Kick-off: 8:30 AM IST
Venue: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch

The two fixtures will be an important test for Khalid Jamil’s side as India look to build momentum and gain valuable international experience against a World Cup-qualified opponent.