The India vs Bangladesh rivalry is set to ignite once again as the two South Asian nations face off in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on March 25.
With only the group winners securing a spot in the final tournament in Saudi Arabia, every match is a do-or-die encounter.
India, ranked 126th in the FIFA Rankings, will look to extend its dominance over Bangladesh, currently ranked 185th.
However, with the addition of Hamza Choudhury, a former England U21 international, Bangladesh has a new weapon in its arsenal. Could this be the start of a more competitive rivalry?
A Rivalry Rooted in Passion and History
The two nations have met 28 times in international football, with India winning 14 of those encounters. Bangladesh’s last victory over India came in the 2003 SAFF Championship semi-final, but they have never won on Indian soil.
Despite India’s superior record, Bangladesh has always made things difficult. Recent meetings have been tightly contested, including:
• 2019 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers – Adil Khan’s 88th-minute equalizer saved India from an upset in front of 60,000 fans in Kolkata.
• 2021 SAFF Championship – Ended in a 1-1 draw, with Sunil Chhetri scoring for India.
• 2023 Asian Games – India secured a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Chhetri penalty.
With Chhetri scoring six of India’s last seven goals against Bangladesh, the veteran striker will once again be key to India’s chances.
Hamza Choudhury vs Sunil Chhetri: The Battle to Watch
One of the biggest storylines heading into this match is the debut of Hamza Choudhury for Bangladesh. The 27-year-old Leicester City midfielder, who was once a promising talent for England’s youth teams, has now switched allegiance to his mother’s birth country.
His presence adds much-needed defensive stability and European experience to Bangladesh’s midfield.
On the other hand, Sunil Chhetri remains India’s talisman. At 39 years old, the Indian captain continues to deliver in crucial moments. His ability to find space, score from set pieces, and inspire the team will be crucial against a physically resilient Bangladesh side.
This match could very well be a clash between Chhetri’s attacking brilliance and Choudhury’s defensive grit.
Team Preparations & Tactical Battle
India’s Approach: Attack with Control
Head coach Manolo Márquez is expected to field an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, with Chhetri leading the line. Winger Udanta Singh will provide width, while other midfielders will look to dictate play in midfield.
Defensively, India will rely on the experience of Sandesh Jhingan to keep Bangladesh’s attack quiet. Jhingan, who played a key role in India’s 2-0 win over Bangladesh in 2021, knows how to handle high-pressure games.
Bangladesh’s Approach: Defensive Solidity & Counterattacks
Head coach Javier Cabrera has instilled a defensive-first mentality in Bangladesh, and with the addition of Choudhury, they now have a solid midfield anchor. They will likely sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit India on the counter through pacey wingers Rakib Hossain and Shekh Morsalin.
Defender Topu Barman, Bangladesh’s highest international scorer (6 goals), will be a threat from set pieces.
Bangladesh Unhappy with Training Conditions
The build-up to the match has been marred by controversy, as Bangladesh players expressed dissatisfaction with training facilities in Shillong. Defender Saad Uddin compared the conditions unfavorably to the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers in Kolkata, stating:
“We got much better facilities last time, but we are mentally prepared. Our focus is on training—we’re here to win.”
Despite these setbacks, Bangladesh remains determined to cause an upset.
India’s Road to the Asian Cup: A Must-Win Scenario
India is aiming for its third consecutive Asian Cup qualification, but with only the group winner progressing, there’s no room for complacency.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, has qualified for the Asian Cup only once (1980) and is desperate to make history.
Group C Standings & Upcoming Fixtures
• India vs Bangladesh (March 25) 🇮🇳 vs 🇧🇩
• Singapore vs Hong Kong (March 25) 🇸🇬 vs 🇭🇰
With Singapore and Hong Kong also in the mix, a win is crucial for India to stay ahead in the race for qualification.
Could This Be South Asia’s Next Big Rivalry?
With 1.6 billion people between them, India vs Bangladesh has the potential to be one of Asia’s most passionate football rivalries.
While Brazil vs Argentina dominates South America and USA vs Mexico is North America’s biggest clash, could India vs Bangladesh become the defining football rivalry of South Asia?
With the rise of players like Hamza Choudhury for Bangladesh and the continued leadership of Sunil Chhetri for India, the stage is set for a thrilling, high-intensity battle.
Who will come out on top?
📅 March 25, 2025 – Mark your calendars for what promises to be a firecracker of a contest!
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