Under 17 World cup: Indian Sqaud

The first name on Luis Norton de Matos's team-sheet, Dheeraj Singh, is probably the most experienced player in the side with 42 international caps.

A Punjabi boy, Gill took his lessons at the Chandigarh Football Academy and has clawed his way back into the team after being relegated to the reserves.

Born to Indian parents, Sunny didn't have an Indian passport that would help him make the cut but with generous help from SAI, sports ministry and the AIFF, the Toronto FC Academy graduate could realise his dream.

The Manipur lad is inarguably India's fastest player with a ball at his feet. The right-back is suspended for the opening match but when he joins the team, India will definitely have a spring in their step.

Son of a watchman, Jitu had to choose between cricket and football and he opted for the latter. Nobody has regretted that decision. At the U-17 World Cup, despite the lack of height, Jitu is expected to measure up to the challenge.

Now a strapping lad of 17, the central defender first trialled with the team in Brazil and later impressed de Matos when he took over.

Belonging to the oldest batch of players in this team, successive coaches have always had one thing to say about Rahul Kannoly Praveen: This boy has absolutely everything. You field him as a lone striker and he delivers. He defends brilliantly too if you push him at the back and offers a creative threat as a right winger.

A strapping central defender, Anwar started as a left-back with the Indian team. His lack of consistency was held against him, and so was his height. Incredibly, Anwar is now among the tallest in the team and forced his way alongside those lads from Minerva who defeated India U-17 1-0.

You can call the Bengaluru lad the luckiest player in the team. He was first handpicked from among hundreds of players who turned up for trials in Mumbai

Shahjahan, trained just as vigorously with Minerva Punjab FC and a chance friendly against the India U-17s brought Shahjahan back into focus

A sound passer with unerring composure even when under pressure, the Manipur youngster is comfortable on both the flanks and quite often provides the incisive touch.

With his talent, it was hard to ignore this central midfielder. He went unnoticed for long, though. During the Chandigarh trials, he was left out. Watched by the coach during the U-15 I-League final, he scored with a stunning free-kick, yet never made the cut.

alengmawia caught the selectors's eye during a friendly against India XI. Primarily a central midfielder, Lalengmawia is equally effective on the wings.

Abhijit has superb control over the ball when it is at his feet and will give coach de Matos options whenever needed.

Preferred on the left wing, Komal can also be quite effective as a No 10 and remains India's top-scorer with nine goals. Rarely has Indian football seen a player as skilful as him at this age.

The real shining light of this India U-17 team, Amarjit Singh has always led by example. On the field, you wouldn't find anyone else more hardworking than him, and off the field, he would hardly put a foot wrong.

e Matos's best bet to create an opening in the second half, Ninthoi's speed is his biggest weapon. Nobody makes as many attempts on goal as this diminutive winger.

Suresh is the heart of the midfield where he will partner captain Amarjit Singh. Son of a badminton player from Manipur, Suresh didn't take to football until he was 11 and two years later he found himself being spotted by Rob Baan, India's former technical director.

The left-back from Bengaluru looks like a kid but plays like a seasoned professional. When the U-17 World Cup concludes and his contract with the AIFF ends, there will be a queue outside his residence for his signature.

Rahim Ali is one of the only two recognised strikers in the team and should be shouldering a majority of the scoring responsibilities. Hailing from Barrackpore in Bengal and a product of the Mohun Bagan youth team, which he joined in 2013, Rahim was demoted to the reserves but soon fought his way to the top. Leaving his inconsistency behind, Rahim is now the most effective attacking player for de Matos.

Blessed with a dominating physique and blistering pace, Aniket has an astonishing scoring record at youth level.