Three new names have joined the Indian national team camp this May: forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat, defender Nikhil Prabhu, and goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari, all earning their first senior call-ups in May after impressive strides in their Indian Super League (ISL) club careers.

Their paths to this point may differ, but each brings something fresh to the Blue Tigers setup. Tiwari starred between the sticks for FC Goa while Prabhu adapted brilliantly in midfield for Punjab FC. And Bhat, still early in his journey, took another major step after years in the national youth setup.

A Kashmiri striker chasing the dream

At just 20, Suhail Bhat of Mohun Bagan Super Giant is the youngest face in the current national team camp. A striker who came through the youth ranks with the U16s, U19s, and U23s, Bhat’s call-up is a product of hard work and belief.

"It was a dream to be here in the senior team. After beginning with the U16s and gradually climbing the ladder to the U19s and U23s, the hunger to be in the senior national team always remained. It isn't easy to come here, it needs a lot of hard work. The best players in the country are here, so it's a dream come true for me to be here and train with these guys,” he said in an interview to the-aiff.com.

Bhat was part of MBSG’s squad that won the Shield and ISL Cup during the ISL 2024-25 season. His rise was evident when he featured in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers as an 18-year-old. Now, in Kolkata, he’s chasing another first: his senior debut for India.

"I dream of making my debut. Not just for me, but also for my family and the entire Kashmir. My dream is Kashmir's dream. I'll keep working really hard," the forward added.

From defence to midfield and now the Blue Tigers

Prabhu turned heads with his transformation at Punjab FC during the 2024-25 season. A natural centre-back deployed in a defensive midfield role, the 24-year-old was a pillar of consistency, leading the league in interceptions and earning plaudits for his adaptability. He also helped the Shers reach the quarter-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup, where they lost to eventual champions FC Goa.

"The call-up felt like a dream coming true, not just mine, but also my parents’. I knew I was living the dream I had worked so hard for, but at the same time, I felt that this was just the beginning of the journey," he said.

Prabhu has slotted seamlessly into the senior camp setup, soaking in the experience from teammates.

“The atmosphere in the camp has been really positive. I am learning a lot from my teammates and seniors, both on and off the pitch. I had been working hard on the field and waiting patiently for this opportunity," he added.

A breakthrough season rewarded

After a sensational campaign with FC Goa, Hrithik Tiwari has firmly announced himself on the national stage. The 22-year-old shot-stopper made 52 saves and kept seven clean sheets, playing a crucial role in helping FC Goa reach the semi-finals and finish second in the league with 48 points. His season culminated with a trophy as Goa lifted the Kalinga Super Cup.

The ISL 2024-25 season was a coming-of-age chapter for Tiwari and this call-up is just the start of the journey for him.

"Getting the call-up was an unbelievable moment, something I’ve dreamed about since I first started playing football. I’ve worked really hard over the years and made a lot of sacrifices, so this means everything to me, my family, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. It’s also a reminder that the hard work doesn’t stop here," Tiwari shared.