SAFF Championship 2023: Three key battles that can decide the India vs Pakistan tie

The traditional rivals clash on the pitch and the following duels will likely decide the outcome.

The 2023 SAFF Championship will give football fans in India a chance to see the men’s national team clash against neighboring country Pakistan. These two nations share a turbulent history and a rivalry that spans multiple sporting disciplines. The emotions will be high when the Blue Tigers meet the Falcons on 21 June at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.

It will be interesting to see how Igor Stimac prepares his team and gets them ready for the big occasion. With the 2023 Intercontinental Cup in the bag, the pressure will be high for India to perform. As for Pakistan, it is going to be an uphill battle for the national team who will be punching above their weight with little preparation.

Having said that, the match between India and Pakistan will attract huge crowds in the stadium and on television sets. As the game approaches closer with every passing day, here is a look at the three key battles that may decide its outcome.

Sunil Chhetri vs Easah Suliman

There is not a single doubt that captain fantastic Sunil Chhetri will be the biggest threat and the most obvious source of goals for India. He scored in the final of the 2023 Intercontinental Cup against Lebanon and finished the competition with two goals.

The immaculately hard duty to stop him from scoring will fall on Pakistan’s Easah Suliman. The defender has represented England across youth levels. He is the product of the Aston Villa academy and agreed to play for Pakistan due to his British-Pakistani heritage. The 25-year-old is contracted with Portuguese club Vitoria de Guimaraes and played on loan at Portugal's second-division side Vilafranquense. 

Sandesh Jhingan vs Hassan Bashir

Sandesh Jhingan was adjudged the Player of the Tournament at the end of the 2023 Intercontinental Cup. The centre-back was sensational for India and did not allow his team to concede a single goal at the whole tournament. His leadership and defending capabilities will be essential for India in the 2023 SAFF Championship.

He will be crucial in keeping Pakistan’s skipper Hassan Bashir in check. The skipper of the Falcons is one of their key figures who has nine goals for the national team from 26 caps. He plays for Tårnby FF in Denmark at the club level. 

Nikhil Poojary vs Otis Khan

Nikhil Poojary was excellent for India in the 2023 Intercontinental Cup. The right-back was crucial in helping the Blue Tigers win the tournament due to his work ethic down the flanks. His tackling, interceptions, crossing and pace make him a dangerous operator. His clash with Pakistan’s Otis Khan is one to watch out for when the two teams meet on 21 June.

The wide-attacker plays for EFL League Two side Grimsby Town. He is a graduate of the Manchester United academy and has played for the likes of Sheffield United, Barnsley, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and more. He has incredible pace and excels at dribbling. It will be a mouth-watering clash between Poojary and Khan on the right wing.