Jerry Lalrinzuala and Arindam Bhattacharya missed out as Stephen Constantine picked an experienced 23-man squad for the Asian Cup. Here's a quick guide to the 23 Indians going to the UAE.
GOALKEEPERS
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
International Caps: 26
Club: Bengaluru FC
Has made the number one his own since the last edition. Outstanding shot-stopper, together with his ability to distribute. Must improve off set-pieces.
Amrinder Singh
International Caps: 2
Club: Mumbai City FC
An able replacement for Sandhu, if required. Makes Mumbai City look better at the back than what they often are.
Vishal Kaith
International Caps: 4
Club: FC Pune City
A fearless 'keeper in the Subrata Pal mould, Kaith may not see much game time, but offers a viable option on the bench.
DEFENDERS
Pritam Kotal
International Caps: 28
Club: ATK (On loan from Delhi Dynamos)
One of the best crossers of the ball from right-back. How he balances attack and defence will be vital, especially against the hosts.
Sarthak Golui
International Caps: 3
Club: FC Pune City
A recent graduate to the team, he has a competent ability to drive forward from full-back. Still needs some polishing on tracking back.
Sandesh Jhingan
International Caps: 27
Club: Bengaluru FC
Defender who takes no prisoners when he challenges. Can also chip in with goals, but his style leaves India vulnerable to free-kicks, penalties.
Anas Edathodika
International Caps: 13
Club: Kerala Blasters
If this were 2017, could have been the first name on the sheet. Recent form and fitness make him a doubtful centre-back starter.
Salam Ranjan Singh
International Caps: 10
Club: East Bengal
The lone I-League representative, has looked comfortable in India colours. Offers the option of playing both in the centre and along the sides.
Subhasish Bose
International Caps: 9
Club: Mumbai City
Fiesty full-back whose attacking game has improved markedly over the past couple of years. Will need to keep his temper in check, though.
Narayan Das
International Caps: 28
Club: Delhi Dynamos
Once India's most promising left-back, with a cross to match his defending abilities. Has he just stagnated since, or is it his fitness?
MIDFIELDERS
Udanta Singh
International Caps: 13
Club: Bengaluru FC
Livewire on the flanks, his pace will be key to India's expected counter-attacking style. Has added good finishing skills to complete the package.
Pronay Halder
International Caps: 11
Club: ATK
Revels in the role of midfield enforcer, especially for Constantine. Might end up being the busiest outfield player for India, given the competition.
Rowllin Borges
International Caps: 25
Club: NorthEast United
Seems to have rediscovered some mojo with NorthEast United this season. When on song, no better man to control the midfield for India.
Anirudh Thapa
International Caps: 10
Club: Chennaiyin FC
Speed, solidity as well as work rate -- all attributes you can never fault him over. Risks getting outmuscled by stronger opposition players, though.
Vinit Rai
International Caps: 6
Club: Delhi Dynamos
Capable of playing entire length of the game at full intensity, an ideal attribute for central midfield. Might not start too many games.
Halicharan Narzary
International Caps: 21
Club: Kerala Blasters
Can blow hot and cold, especially when inside the opposition half. Decent form, but composure in sight of goal remains his biggest challenge.
Ashique Kuruniyan
International Caps: 8
Club: Pune City FC
Easily the most improved player since India's qualification, he should see game time. Whether he starts or not could be down to strategy.
Germanpreet Singh
International Caps: 3
Club: Chennaiyin FC
Combative central midfielder, who does a good job of cleaning up without attracting too much attention. Recent club form has been indifferent, though.
Jackichand Singh
International Caps: 16
Club: FC Goa
Has been in good form with FC Goa. Can play the role of feeder to the strikers and fill in with goals himself.
FORWARDS
Sunil Chhetri
International Caps: 103
Club: Bengaluru FC
Leads the team in mind, body, soul and spirit. Still has the legs to challenge the best defences, but will need good supply.
Jeje Lalpekhlua
International Caps: 52
Club: Chennaiyin FC
Sharp dip in form notwithstanding, expect him to come good on big occasions. His intuitive relationship with Chhetri often wins India tight games.
Sumeet Passi
International Caps: 6
Club: Jamshedpur FC
A workhorse for the forward line, but hasn't scored enough goals for club and country to inspire confidence about a clear, focused role.
Balwant Singh
International Caps: 9
Club: ATK
Mature player who can operate on top as well as from the sides. His role in defending set-pieces will be an added bonus.