Who is Edmund Lalrindika's Replacement for Irfan Yadwad in the Squad for Thailand Friendlies?

Synopsis
In a significant shift, Edmund Lalrindika replaces Irfan Yadwad in the provisional squad ahead of crucial friendlies against Thailand. This change comes as India prepares for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Discover more about Lalrindika's impressive stats and the team's training plans.
Key Takeaways
- Edmund Lalrindika steps in for Irfan Yadwad.
- India's training camp begins on May 18.
- Next match against Hong Kong on June 10.
- India will play a friendly against Thailand on June 4.
- Team preparing for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
New Delhi, May 8 (NationPress) Edmund Lalrindika has stepped in as the replacement for Irfan Yadwad, who is sidelined due to an appendix surgery. This change comes as the 28-member provisional squad prepares to gather in Kolkata on May 18, gearing up for training ahead of the FIFA International window in June. "Forward Edmund Lalrindika will join the Senior India National Team camp on May 18, substituting Irfan Yadwad, who is unavailable due to an appendix operation," the Indian Football team announced on X.
Lalrindika made his international debut on June 6 against Kuwait, resulting in a 0-0 draw. The forward from Mizoram also contributed significantly during the 2024-25 season with four goals and five assists while playing for his I-League club, Inter Kashi, which finished second, just one point behind Churchill Brothers.
The Indian team is currently focused on preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers, where they find themselves in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The qualifiers will be contested in a home-and-away round robin format.
India's next major challenge will be against Hong Kong on June 10 at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon City. The initial matches in Group C have all ended in draws, leaving each of the four teams with a single point.
To prepare for their qualifier against Hong Kong, India will hold a 10-day training camp in Kolkata, followed by a trip to Bangkok for a FIFA International Friendly against Thailand on June 4. The team will then proceed to Hong Kong for their Asian Cup qualifier.
Here is the list of India's 28-member probables for the Kolkata camp:
Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh Chahal, Amrinder Singh.
Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, Anwar Ali, Thangjam Boris Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Nikhil Prabhu.
Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Head coach: Manolo Marquez.