India predicted lineup for Maldives clash

The Blue Tigers are searching for their first win since Manolo Marquez took over the reins in July.

The Indian national team will be determined to win their first game of 2025 when they host the Maldives football team at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, on Wednesday (19 March).

The Blue Tigers are gearing up for the start of their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and will be eager to get a positive win before the clash against Bangladesh.

Manolo Marquez has chosen an interesting squad for the March international break matches. However, he is only likely to choose his strongest XI for the upcoming Maldives match to raise his players’ match sharpness and chemistry.

Sunil Chhetri’s return to the national camp means he is poised to make an awaited comeback, but the gaffer will use quality players in other positions to trouble the Maldives. Here is how Khel Now’s predicted India lineup for the Maldives clash.

Formation: 4-3-3

Marquez is expected to stick with his trusted four-man defensive line for this clash. Brandon Fernandes should get to spearhead the midfield line, and Manvir Singh and Irfan Yadwad will take up the wings.

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

With the absence of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith is finally set to return to the national team fold. He has enjoyed a brilliant 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, keeping 14 clean sheets in the league phase for Mohun Bagan.

Kaith has four international caps for India and will look to produce a sturdy performance against the Maldives with his excellent stop-stopping ability.

Right-back: Naorem Roshan Singh

Naorem Roshan Singh returned to his best form for Bengaluru FC in the 2024-25 ISL, helping them keep eight clean sheets in the league phase. He will bring sturdiness and steel to the right side of India’s backline and a creative edge.

Singh boasts an impressive crossing ability, having picked up three assists in the ISL, and his chemistry with Chhetri should benefit the Blue Tigers.

Centre-back: Rahul Bheke

Rahul Bheke has been a mainstay in the Indian side since Marquez’s arrival. Considering his heroics for Bengaluru FC this season, there is no reason for him to be dropped. He played a key role in helping them notch up eight clean sheets in the league phase.

Bheke’s composure at the back, passing ability and tendency to make key challenges should help maintain calmness in the Indian backline against the Maldives forwards.

Centre-back: Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan remains India’s most experienced centre-back and a player who often shines through on the international stage. He will play a key role in helping the Blue Tigers maintain a stubborn, tight defensive line and dominate the Maldives forwards with his physicality.

Jhingan knows how to operate in Marquez’s system because of their work at FC Goa and will use that expertise to produce a solid effort in the upcoming clash.

Left-back: Subhasish Bose

Subhasish Bose was arguably the most prolific left-back in the 2024-25 ISL league phase. He led Mohun Bagan to the ISL league shield in dominant fashion, helping them to 12 clean sheets.

Bose is the in-form left-back option available for Marquez, especially with his experience levels and defensive qualities. Not only can he stop the Maldives’ attacks well, but Bose remains a goal-scoring threat, having six goals in the ISL this season.

ALSO READ: Top 40 fastest football players in the world in 2025

Centre-Midfield: Suresh Singh Wangjam

Suresh Singh will play a key role in keeping up the energy levels in India’s midfield line thanks to his tireless running ability and pressing tactics. He has enjoyed a solid season with Bengaluru FC and attempts to bring that form to the Blue Tigers.

Suresh will be urged to regain possession with his pressing and also move the ball into the empty pockets special to trigger counter-attacks.

Centre-Midfield: Lalengmawia Ralte

The Mohun Bagan midfielder enjoyed a memorable debut campaign for the Mariners, showing his quality as an all-round midfield machine.

Thanks to his impressive distribution ability and press-resistant nature, Apuia will play a key role in helping India dominate possession. He will have to be sharp with his forward passes and snappy with his impressive tackling ability to neutralize the Maldives threat in midfield.

Attacking Midfield: Brandon Fernandes

Even though Brandon Fernandes has not enjoyed a memorable 2024-25 ISL campaign, he remains arguably the Blue Tigers’ biggest creative threat.

Fernandes has that eye for special, penetrative passes into the final third, being able to send players free into the box with his pinpoint accuracy passes. He will need to be decisive with his passes and set-piece delivery to enhance India’s chances of getting a big win.

Right-Wing: Mahesh Naorem Singh

Naorem Mahesh Singh can be a very good candidate to replace the injured Manvir Singh in India’s squad for the March international break. While excelling as a central midfielder for East Bengal this season, he can seamlessly slot into the right-wing role for the national team.

His versatility allows him to create chances, link up effectively in the final third, and contribute defensively by winning key duels. With his ability to stretch defences and his goal-scoring instinct, Mahesh can provide India with a dynamic presence on the flank in Manvir’s absence.

Left-Wing: Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad was one of Chennaiyin FC’s brightest players in the 2024-25 season, scoring five goals and getting four assists in 24 ISL appearances. He has maintained an impressive form since last featuring for India in the November (2024) friendlies.

With his clever off-the-ball movement and intelligent passes into the box, he will be a problematic figure for the Maldives backline. Yadwad will look to continue making his unpredictable runs to get into more goal-scoring positions and elevate his side’s goal-scoring prowess.

Centre-Forward: Sunil Chhetri

All eyes will be on Sunil Chhetri as the Maldives game marks his return from international retirement. He is returning to the international stage because he has played well during the 2024-25 ISL season. Chhetri has been the highest Indian goal-scorer this season with 12 goals and comes into this game in impressive form.

Chhetri knows what it takes to oust teams like the Maldives, as he will look to use his clever off-the-ball movement and positioning to elevate India’s ruthlessness in front of goal. Chhetri will be eager to score goal number 95 and beyond and put the Red Snappers to the sword.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.