Even though there is a big gulf in ranking as well as performances between Bangladesh and India, the matches involving the two neighbours have over the years produced some thrilling contests. Viewed only statistically, India are clear favourites going into today's AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture against Bangladesh in Shillong, with a 59-position gap in FIFA rankings and having enjoyed a 13-2 win record out of 31 contests between the two nations. However, the recent results have been quite close, with four of the last five contests producing draws, with India winning the other one 2-0. The inclusion of Hamza Choudhury will definitely bolster Bangladesh's confidence as well as their performance on the pitch, but India, too, have their own talisman in the form of Sunil Chhetri. The 40-year-old Bengaluru FC forward, who returned from retirement earlier this month, has been a thorn in Bangladesh's side, scoring five out of India's six most recent goals against the men in red and green. Preparation-wise, the two teams are at the opposite extremes. While Chhteri's return helped India end a long winless run in international football in a 3-0 win against Maldives last week, Bangladesh did not play any practice match, except for one against an academy side, during their 12-day preparation camp in Saudi Arabia. The results from 2024 are not too positive either following an uptick in results in the previous year. But the Bangladesh team and their fans are hoping Hamza's inclusion will start a new resurgence in football, starting with a positive result in Shillong.

Key facts

Bangladesh vs India

Fixture: Asian Cup Qualifiers,

Third round, Group C

Venue: Shillong

Kick-off: 7:30 pm

Telecast: T Sports, Star Sports 3

Match day: 1

Other teams in group: Hong Kong, Singapore

Bangladesh

Ranking: 185

Coach: Javier Cabrera  

Captain: Jamal Bhuiyan

Asian Cup appearance: 1 (1980)

India

Rankings: 126

Coach: Manolo Marquez

Captain: Sandesh Jhingan

Asian Cup appearance: 5 (1964, 1984, 2011, 2019, 2023)

Head-to-Head Record:

Matches: 31

Bangladesh won: 2

India won: 13

Drawn: 16

Results of last 5 matches:

2021 Asian Cup Qualifiers: India 2 – 0 Bangladesh

2021 SAFF Championship: India 1 – 1 Bangladesh

2019 World Cup Qualifier: India 1 – 1 Bangladesh

2014 FIFA friendly: India 1 – 1 Bangladesh

2013 SAFF Championship: India 1 – 1 Bangladesh