Asian Games: Three key battles to decide India vs Bangladesh tie

India will play their second Asian Games encounter against Bangladesh on 21 September.

The overlap between Asian Games and commencement of the Indian Super League (ISL) has created a state of turmoil in the Indian football team. This overlap has led to clubs' hesitation in releasing their players for Asian Games. 

The Sunil Chhetri-led team however, will face China (79), Bangladesh (189) and Myanmar (161) in the Asian Games. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to sneak up on the table by surprising India, when they meet on 21 September.

With such an inexperienced squad (for both teams) going to the Asian Games, let’s take a look at the three key player battles between India and Bangladesh:

3. Sandesh Jhingan vs Foysal Ahmed Fahim

Sandesh Jhingan was given the green light a few days back for the Asian Games, thanks to the supportive collaboration between AIFF and FSDL. The Indian defender is one of the finest in the country in terms of defensive skills and is also a prominent figure for the Indian national team.

Fahim is a versatile Bangladeshi professional footballer, specializing as a left winger for Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi in the Bangladesh Premier League and representing the Bangladesh national team. He can adapt to various attacking roles, and can play as right winger, striker, or attacking midfielder whenever needed. He will have a tough task in hand as he will be up against one of Indian football’s best defenders.

2. Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem vs Sumon Reza

Dheeraj Singh is expected to represented India in between the posts. He is renowned for his impressive shot-stopping abilities and strong presence in goal. He has played a pivotal role in various domestic and international competitions and will be a tough nut to crack for the Bangladeshi striker, Sumon Reza.

Reza is a Bangladeshi striker known for his incisive runs and clinical finishing. It will be quite an interesting battle between these two.

1. Rahmat Mia vs Sunil Chhetri

Mohamed Rahmat Mia is a versatile Bangladeshi professional footballer, serving as a defender for Abahani Dhaka in the Bangladesh Premier League. He is also a prominent figure for the Bangladesh national team. He is a defender adept at playing as a full-back, offering flexibility in defence.

It’s going to be a long day for Rahmat Mia, as his primary task will be to stop the greatest striker Indian football has ever seen, Sunil Chhetri. The Indian skipper is the only experienced player alongside Jhingan and Chinglensana Singh to represent the Indian team in the Asian Games. With such finishing, shooting and dribbling prowess, Sunil Chhetri will be unleashing wrath upon Rahmat Mia.