2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025: Former Australian winger Ryan Williams and Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti have been called up to join the Indian national football team camp in Bengaluru this month. The camp will take place ahead of India’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh. Both players bring unique international experience and skillsets that could strengthen the Indian squad as the team looks to rebuild after missing out on qualification for the Asian Cup. This development is part of the 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025 that could mark a turning point for the national side.
Ryan Williams Closer to Officially Becoming an Indian Player
Ryan Williams, one of the 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025, once represented Australia in an international friendly against South Korea in 2019. He has been living and playing in India for the past two years. Williams joined Bengaluru FC in 2023 after leaving Perth Glory and has since been in the process of obtaining his Indian passport.
Sources from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed to ESPN that Williams’ call-up is nearly complete, with just a few formalities left to finalize. The federation is currently waiting for a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Football Australia — his former federation — before making the announcement official. AIFF expects this paperwork to be cleared by the end of the week as part of the 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025 procedure.
To be eligible to represent India, Williams had to give up his Australian citizenship, since India does not allow dual nationality. His Indian roots come from his mother, who belongs to an Anglo-Indian family based in Mumbai. Interestingly, his twin brother Aryn Williams also had aspirations to represent India and even played for NEROCA FC during his time in the country before the COVID-19 pandemic halted his progress.
Williams’ addition could prove valuable to the Indian setup. Known for his pace, strong dribbling, and finishing ability, he brings a higher level of attacking intensity that India has been missing in recent matches. His experience across leagues in England, Australia, and India adds much-needed depth and leadership to the side. His name now stands out as one of the 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025 aiming to redefine India’s forward line.
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Abneet Bharti’s Journey from Nepal to a Possible India Debut
Alongside Williams, Nepal-born defender Abneet Bharti has also received a call-up to the Indian camp, although his inclusion is currently on a trial basis. As the second of the 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025, Bharti’s participation will depend on his performance during the camp in Bengaluru, according to AIFF sources.
Bharti’s football journey is quite unique. Eligible to play for both Nepal and India, the 27-year-old centre-back has built his entire career outside South Asia. He currently plays for Bolivian club Academia del Balompié Boliviano, on loan from Czech side FK Varnsdorf. Before that, he trained and played in various countries, including Singapore, Spain, and the Czech Republic, gaining a wide range of football experience that makes him a valuable part of the 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025 list.
His football adventure began at just 14 years old when he joined the academy of Singaporean club Geylang International in 2012. Since then, Bharti has gained valuable experience in different football cultures, which could bring tactical flexibility and composure to India’s defensive lineup.
AIFF officials see Bharti’s inclusion as part of a broader plan to test new players and build a stronger, more diverse national team. Given India’s recent struggles in international competitions, this could be an ideal moment to introduce players who have honed their skills abroad. The 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025 highlight India’s growing effort to blend global experience with homegrown talent.
A Time for Rebuilding and Experimentation
India’s failure to qualify for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup has led to discussions about the need for change within the national setup. The current camp in Bengaluru could serve as a fresh start — a period for testing new combinations and integrating players with international exposure like Williams and Bharti. The 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025 symbolize this new era of experimentation and growth for Indian football.
While the team’s immediate focus is on the qualifier against Bangladesh, the long-term goal appears to be squad renewal. Williams’ attacking flair and Bharti’s defensive strength could offer the right balance for India’s future matches. If both players perform well and complete the necessary eligibility formalities, the 2 New India Football Call-Ups 2025 could soon make a meaningful impact on the international stage.
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