Bengaluru, Aug. 18 -- The exclusion of Sunil Chhetri from Indian football team's first preparatory camp under new head coach Khalid Jamil for the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup has sparked discussion but Jamil insists the striker has not been shut out.

Jamil announced his list of players for the preparatory camp on Friday with Chhetri's omission standing out. The veteran forward, who retired in June 2024 before reversing his decision in March earlier this year, remains a central figure for the Indian football team. However, Jamil gave a clear answer when asked about why Chhetri wasn't included in the preparatory camp.

"Sunil is a legend of Indian football. I have played against him, I've seen him play on numerous occasions, and he is one of my fav...