India vs Tajikistan Player Ratings: Macarton, Nikhil Poojary disappoint as India face third consecutive loss
India’s FIFA rankings take a hit after the loss to Tajikistan
The Indian National Football Team faced a trashing 3-1 defeat against the Tajikistan National Football Team on the 5th of June 2026, at the TALCO Arena in Tursunzoda, Tajikistan.
In the initial minutes, both teams were seen a bit sloppy as they failed to create any meaningful moves. However, in the 8th minute, Macarton committed an unwanted foul, gifting the opponents a penalty, which they ultimately scored and broke the deadlock.
Later, there were no major chances in the initial half and at half-time, the score remained 1-0 in favour of the hosts.
In the second half, Tajikistan made good use of their substitutions and completely dominated the Blue Tigers and scored two more goals to seal the game in their favour. In the final minutes, India won a free kick just outside the box, which found the back of the net, courtesy of Farukh Choudhary, who scored the compensatory goal for the Blue Tigers.
At full time, the score was 3-1 in favour of Tajikistan. With this, the Blue Tigers have lost their third consecutive game in a row and have dropped two spots in the FIFA Ranking.
Here are the India player ratings for the international friendly match against Tajikistan.
India Player Ratings
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 5/10
Did not have much to do in the first half apart from the penalty, where he could not have done anything more. In the second half, initially, Gurpreet had good positioning and made saves whenever demanded.
But later, as the defence weakened, Gurpreet was struggling in distributions was just a spectator when the opponents scored the goals past him.
Akash Mishra – 6/10
Was decent on the flanks and made some good clearances. Combined well with Vikram in the attacking third and delivered some teasing crosses into the final third, which created some good chances for the Blue Tigers.
However, Mishra could have done better in preventing the third goal.
Sandesh Jhingan – 5.5/10
Made some good switchovers and some channel plays from the back. Defensively, he did not have much to do in the first half. Early in the second half, Jhingan saved the team as he made some timely tackles and clearances.
But later, the defence lacked coordination, and this led to the opponents scoring
Rahul Bheke – 5/10
Took the long throw-ins in the attacking third, which were not of any utility for the team. In the second half, Bheke left space in the back, which was properly capitalised and punished by the opponents.
He was completely caught off guard when the second and third goals were scored, and could have done better.
Nikhil Poojary – 3/10
Had just an average performance on the pitch. Despite making some initial positive contributions, Nikhil did not add meaningful value to the team.
Struggled to drive forward with the ball and make accurate passes, failed to beat the opponents in the wings, was beaten during multiple instances and had a rather forgettable performance.
Macarton Nickson – 3/10
Conceded an unwanted penalty early in the game, which the opponents scored, giving them the advantage. Lacked game awareness and decision-making, and even missed a golden opportunity to pile pressure on the opponents and potentially score a goal inside the penalty box.
Despite this, Macarton put in the effort for the team, made some runs, pressed well, but unfortunately, it was not his best day on the pitch.
Jeakson Singh – 4/10
Lacked intensity and did not have a passing range, which did not really help the team. It was like Jeakson was not able to combine well with Ricky in the midfield.
Lacked the necessary movement to break down Tajikistan players and make solid passes, and overall had a patchy performance.
Ricky Shabong – 4/10
Found it challenging to establish dominance in the middle of the park when the opponents mounted pressure.
Failed to provide the necessary support to break down a resilient Tajikistan defence. Adding to his disappointment, he was caught out during the opponent’s third goal.
Vikram Partap Singh – 5/10
He was decent on the wings. Linked up well with Akash Mishra and crafted some good chances in the attacking third.
Fell for the provocation from the opponents and committed a silly foul on the left, which was seamlessly converted by the opponents. Despite the shortcomings, he kept pressing until the final whistle.
Edmund Lalrindika – 5/10
Connected with a cross from Akash Mishra and directed a header that rattled the crossbar. His match was hampered by an early yellow card for a foul, and he struggled to find consistency throughout the game.
Lallianzuala Chhangte – 5/10
Made some good runs in the flank and provided some good passes from the byline. Took a shot from the back post in the first half, which missed the goal by inches. Took a good number of free kicks from the attacking half, where he struggled to provide quality deliveries.
Substitutes
Farukh Choudhary – 6/10
He took a couple of free-kicks during the game, converting one brilliantly in the closing stages to score a consolation goal for the Blue Tigers.
Nikhil Barla – 5/10
Introduced late in the second half, Barla had limited time to influence proceedings. He showed a few positive touches after coming on but was unable to make a significant impact as India chased the game.
Mohammed Sanan – 5/10
Brought on late in the second half, Sanan showed intent whenever he got on the ball and was involved in a few attacking moves.
However, with limited minutes at his disposal, he had little opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the contest.
Albino Gomes – 5/10
Made decent collections whenever tested and was good in distribution.
Bijoy Vargheese – 5/10
Provided long throw-ins, shielded the ball well and was decent in defence.
Pramveer – N/A
Parthib Gogoi – N/A
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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.