Sporting Club Delhi midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte has been named in the Indian senior men's national football team squad for two international friendlies against New Zealand, scheduled for 12 November and 15 November 2026. Head coach Khalid Jamil announced the 23-member squad, with Hnamte's inclusion marking a significant step in his progression from the U-23 setup to the senior national side.

Match Schedule and Venues

India will face New Zealand in the first friendly at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on 12 November, followed by the second encounter at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on 15 November. The two-match series represents a valuable competitive opportunity for India ahead of the broader international calendar.

What Hnamte's Call-Up Means

Having previously represented India at the U-23 level, Hnamte's elevation to the senior squad is a natural progression and reflects consistent form at club level with SC Delhi. His selection underscores the growing pipeline of talent emerging from Indian Super League clubs competing outside the established football centres. Notably, this call-up is also a first for SC Delhi as a club, signalling the capital outfit's rising influence in Indian football.

What Hnamte Said

Reacting to his selection, Hnamte said, "It is a proud moment for me to earn another call-up to the senior national team. Having previously represented India at the U-23 level, this is another important step in my journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity. My time at Sporting Club Delhi has played an important role in my development, and I look forward to making the most of this opportunity."

SC Delhi's Broader Ambition

Dhruv Sood, Chief Executive Officer of SC Delhi, highlighted the club's wider mission beyond league competition. "At Sporting Club Delhi, we believe that our role goes beyond simply competing in the ISL. We want to be a club that contributes to the larger Indian football ecosystem by giving talented players the opportunity, exposure and environment to take the next step in their careers," Sood said. He added that Hnamte's national selection "reinforces what we are working towards" and expressed hope that more players from the club's setup would earn international opportunities.

This comes amid a broader push by Indian football clubs to position themselves as genuine development hubs, not merely competition franchises. If Hnamte performs well across the two New Zealand friendlies, he could cement his place in future squads as India looks to strengthen its mid-field options.