India seek redemption against Tajikistan after disappointing Unity Cup run
India will play two friendlies against Tajikistan
India are ready to get back to action when they face off against Tajikistan in the first of the two friendly matches at the TALCO Arena, Tursunzoda in Tajikistan, on Friday (5th June 2026).
Coming on the back of a disappointing outing in the Unity Cup, the Blue Tigers will look to ride the storm against the high-flying Tajikistan side and pop up a big result to regain a winning momentum.
The Stakes
Tajikistan
The Tajikistan side have picked up their form over the last few months, being unbeaten over their last six matches heading into the upcoming matches against India.
They will be eager to put up an entertaining show in front of their home faithful in the upcoming clash, knowing that winning these friendlies could positively reflect on their position in the FIFA World Rankings.
Tajikistan will aim to dominate proceedings against India, controlling the match with the majority of ball possession and also looking to be incisive and clinical in the final third to hurt them.
A big win for Tajikistan would definitely be a momentum booster for the players, but a draw or an embarrassing loss would end the impressive run they’ve worked hard to maintain since September 2025.
India
India are heading into the upcoming friendlies against Tajikistan with a depleted squad, missing some key figures in the squad. After having lost both their matches in the Unity Cup, Khalid Jamil’s side will be eager to at least get a positive result in their upcoming friendly against Tajikistan.
The Blue Tigers need to be way more proactive and sturdy defensively, holding together a stronger defensive line that can frustrate the Tajikistan players and nullify their threat in the final third.
However, India also needs to be way more clever on the transitions to create fluid chances and take up their opportunities ruthlessly to really stun Tajikistan.
A win for India would definitely raise the confidence levels of the players in the squad, but suffering another disappointing loss would further decrease the morale in the squad.
Team News
Tajikistan have named a relatively strong squad for their upcoming friendly matches against India in the June (2026) international break.
Ryan Williams has been forced out of action for India because of a hamstring injury that he suffered in the Unity Cup game against Jamaica.
Parthib Sundar Gogoi has been called up as Ryan’s replacement.
Head-to-Head Record
Matches Played – 6
India wins – 2
Tajikistan wins – 3
Draws – 1
Predicted Lineups
Tajikistan (4-3-3)
Rustam Yatimov (GK), Zoir Dzhuravoyev, Sodjikjon Kurbonov, Vahdat Hananov, Ahktam Nazarov, Parvizdzhon Umarbayev, Ehson Panjshanbe, Amirbek Juraboev, Shervoni Mabatshoev, Sheriddin Boboev, Shahrom Samiev
India (3-5-2)
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Akash Mishra, Nikhil Poojary, Ricky Shabong, Macarton Louis Nickson, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap, Farukh Choudhary, Rahim Ali
Players to Watchout
Shervoni Mabatshoev (Tajikistan)
Shervoni Mabatshoev definitely ranks among the most menacing threats for the Tajikistan side, having performed really well for them over the last year or so. The winger currently plays for Thailand top division side Terengganu FC, having scored four goals and provided three assists for them in the 2025-26 season.
Shervoni also managed 13 goals in 39 appearances for Tajikistan at the international scene, which includes five goals in his last four appearances for them.
He’ll be aiming to be a major thorn for the Indian defenders, using his speed and trickery to get past them into the danger areas.
While the winger will be urged to try and create more chances, he’ll be determined to get to the end of them and finish the opportunities off diligently to help Tajikistan get a big win over India.
Lallianzuala Chhangte (India)
Lallianzuala Chhangte remains the most experienced figure in the Indian football team for their games against Tajikistan, and he must act like a leader in the attack to really spark up their chances.
The Mumbai City FC winger scored four goals for them in the 2025-26 ISL campaign, but he’s only gotten one goal in the last five appearances for the Blue Tigers. Chhangte is still seemingly trying to find his best role under Khalid Jamil in the India set-up, but he’ll look to impress the gaffer with a positive performance against Tajikistan.
The Mumbai City FC forward will look to be clever with the ball, tricking the opponents with clever line-breaking passes to help his side’s chances of scoring more goals.
He’ll also need to be clinical in converting any chances that come his way to be able to inspire the Blue Tigers to a positive result.
Did you know?
- India have only managed one win in their last five international matches.
- Tajikistan has only conceded three goals in their last six matches, keeping four clean sheets.
- Khalid Jamil only has a 20% win record in his stint as the Indian football team manager, after 10 matches coached.
Telecast Details
The first international friendly between India and Tajikistan will take place at the TALCO Arena, Tursunzoda on Friday, 5 June (2026).
The match will kick off at 8:30 PM IST and the live streaming details are yet to be announced.
When is the India vs Tajikistan friendly match?
India will play two friendlies against Tajikistan on June 5th and June 9th.
Who has replaced Ryan Williams for the Tajikistan friendlies?
Parthib Sundar Gogoi has been named as the replacement of Ryan Williams for the Tajikistan friendlies.
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Uttiyo is a sports journalist who has been covering football since 2016. He is an avid football enthusiast who spends hours either watching the beautiful game or writing about it. He has covered various tournaments for Khel Now, such as the FIFA U17 World Cup, ISL, I-League & AFC Champions League.