New Delhi, Nov 12: Head coach Khalid Jamil has made sweeping changes to the Indian men's national football team for their upcoming two-match international friendly series against New Zealand in Auckland.

The opening fixture is scheduled for this Thursday at the Go Media Stadium, marking the first of two matches designed to celebrate a remarkable century of sporting ties and cultural connection between the two nations.

This tour follows a challenging international window in which India faced formidable opponents, including Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay. In a notable shake-up from that previous roster, veteran captain and starting goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been left out of the squad, signaling a potential shift in leadership and strategy under Jamil.

To inject fresh energy, several promising young talents have earned their maiden senior call-ups, including Som Kumar, Ricky Meetei Haobam, Lalremtluanga Fanai, and Tomba Singh Haobam. Furthermore, tactical adjustments have been made across the broader squad, with Bijoy Varghese, Muhammad Suhail, and Liston Colaco departing from India's ongoing SAFF Championship campaign, where a younger, second-string side is currently competing, to immediately link up with the senior contingent ahead of this crucial trans-Tasman assignment.

India vs New Zealand: Schedule

When will the India vs New Zealand friendly match kick off?

The India vs New Zealand international friendly match will kick off at 11:30 a.m. IST on Thursday, November 12.

Where will the India vs New Zealand friendly match be played?

The India vs New Zealand friendly match will be played at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

India vs New Zealand Live Streaming Details

Where to watch the India vs New Zealand friendly match?

The India vs New Zealand friendly match will not be telecast anywhere in India. The match will be livestreamed on FIFA+ via DAZN.

Story first published: Thursday, November 12, 2026, 10:51 [IST]

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