Shillong, March 21: Football- the most beautiful game but it does thrives on rivalries and a fresh one is brewing between India and Bangladesh. As both nations continue to rise in South Asian football scene, their clashes are becoming more intense, with fans and players eagerly anticipating every matchup.

Now, all eyes are on March 25, when the two teams face off in Shillong at the JN Stadium in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier match.

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is the battle between two footballing icons—Hamza Choudhury and Sunil Chhetri.

The debate over who holds the upper hand has become the burning topic in social media, with Bangladeshi fans backing Choudhury and Indian supporters rallying behind Chhetri. But this time, the argument will be settled on the pitch.

Hamza Choudhury, a Premier League midfielder currently on loan at Sheffield United from Leicester City, recently switched his international allegiance from England to Bangladesh, honoring his mother’s heritage. Having played seven times for England’s U-21 side, he obtained a Bangladeshi passport in August 2024, and FIFA approved his eligibility in December. His addition has given Bangladesh a major boost, and their supporters believe he could be the difference-maker against India.

On the other side, Sunil Chhetri needs no introduction. He is India’s all-time leading goal scorer has netted 94 goals in 150 international appearances, making him the fourth-highest goal scorer in men’s international football, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Ali Daei, and Lionel Messi. Chhetri initially retired from international football in May 2024 after an illustrious 19-year career. However, in an interesting twist, he reversed his decision in March 2025.

Choudhury will be the first-ever Premier League player to play in Shillong, and this will also be his first game in a Bangladesh shirt. Meanwhile, Chhetri scored his first goal after coming out of retirement in Shillong.

A new chapter in South Asian football is about to be written—who will come out on top?

Overall Record:

• Total Matches Played: 31
• India Wins: 16 
• Bangladesh Wins: 2
• Draws: 13 

Notable Competitions:

• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers:
• India and Bangladesh have faced each other multiple times in World Cup qualifying matches. Notably, their encounter on October 15, 2019, ended in a 1-1 draw, while on June 7, 2021, India secured a 2-0 victory.
• SAFF Championship:
• This regional tournament has witnessed several clashes between the two teams. For instance, on October 4, 2021, the match concluded in a 1-1 draw.
• AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers:
• Both teams have met in the qualifiers, with matches often ending in draws, such as the 0-0 results on February 6 and June 15, 1988.

Recent Encounters:

• March 5, 2014 (International Friendly): India 2 – 2 Bangladesh 
• October 15, 2019 (FIFA World Cup Qualifier): India 1 – 1 Bangladesh
• June 7, 2021 (FIFA World Cup Qualifier): Bangladesh 0 – 2 India
• October 4, 2021 (SAFF Championship): Bangladesh 1 – 1 India.

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