Sandesh Jhingan ruled out of CAFA Nations Cup due to injury
The FC Goa defender has been influential with his leadership at the back.
India have been dealt a blow ahead of the final group match against Afghanistan in the CAFA Nations Cup as defender Sandesh Jhingan has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury, the All India Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday.
“Defender Sandesh Jhingan had sustained an injury during India's #CAFANationsCup2025 match against IR Iran, and has been ruled out of the remaining matches.
He will return to India today,” read a statement on AIFF’s X handle.
🚨 #BlueTigers Update 🔊
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) September 3, 2025
Defender Sandesh Jhingan had sustained an injury during India's #CAFANationsCup2025 match against IR Iran, and has been ruled out of the remaining matches.
He will return to India today.#IndianFootball ⚽
The Blue Tigers will sorely miss Jhingan’s presence in the defence as he has been a rock at the heart of India’s rearguard. India beat hosts Tajikistan in the first match before losing to Iran in the second. Jhingan has been influential with his leadership at the back.
Khalid Jamil’s men face Afghanistan on Thursday and need a victory to be assured of qualifying for the 3rd-4th place playoff. A finish on the podium would be a good achievement for India who are making their debut in the competition.
Jamil will have to fall back on his squad to fill the void with Chinglensana Singh and Rahul Bheke being alternatives for the centre-back position.
