How can Indian football team line up for their international friendly against Tajikistan?

India will play two friendlies against Tajikistan

After a disappointing campaign in the Unity Cup 2026, where India failed to score a single goal, they are now all set to play two international friendlies against Tajikistan. The matches will be played on 5th and 9th June at the TALCO Arena and Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan with kickoff scheduled for 8:30 pm IST.

India will play the first friendly against the Tajikistan side on 5th June, ahead of which head coach Khalid Jamil announced the 22-member squad with just one change from the squad which played the Unity Cup 2026. NorthEast United FC forward Parthib Sundar Gogoi has replaced Ryan Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury in the first match of the Unity Cup 2026 against Jamaica.

As India now look to get something positive out of this friendly tour to Tajikistan, and considering the lineups Khalid Jamil has fielded in recent matches, take a look at how the Blue Tigers can potentially lineup in the upcoming friendlies.

With Ryan Williams not travelling to Tajikistan with the Indian team following a hamstring injury, Parthib Gogoi has been called up as a replacement! This is how the complete squad look for Tajikistan friendlies on June 5th and June 9th! #IndianFootball #IndianFootballTeam… pic.twitter.com/HXFh3GfT97

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) June 4, 2026

Formation- 4-4-2

GK – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

The experienced India international, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is most likely to start for India between the sticks against Tajikistan.

Gurpreet has been in stellar form for the Blue Tigers and despite options on the bench, he is most likely to start in the upcoming friendlies.

LB – Akash Mishra

With not a lot of options in the full back role, Akash Mishra remains the best choice for the Blue Tigers to start against Tajikistan. Although Akash did not have a good Unity Cup 2026 campaign, he is one of the most proven full backs in the national team set up.

So, Khalid Jamil will likely play Akash Mishra as the left back and would hope that he contributes both defensively and offensively for the team.

CB – Sandesh Jhingan

Regardless of what is being said about Sandesh Jhingan, he has been one of the most important members of the Indian team, a leader who has consistently delivered strong performances.

Even during the disappointing Unity Cup 2026 campaign, where India struggled overall, it was Sandesh who played a key role in keeping the scorelines respectable.

So, starting Sandesh Jhingan seems like a no brainer, and he is highly likely to be part of the playing XI against Tajikistan.

CB – Rahul Bheke

Now, this is a position where there has been a lot of questions regarding the inclusion of Rahul Bheke. The 35-year-old defender had a poor Unity Cup 2026 campaign and was directly involved in some of the goals India conceded.

There are players such as Pramveer and Bijoy, who arguably deserve to start ahead of Bheke, at least at this point of time.

However, keeping in mind that Khalid Jamil prefers playing Bheke and considers him an integral part of his system, particularly due to his ability to deliver long throw ins, it seems likely that he will keep his place in the side.

So, despite the disappointing performances, Rahul Bheke is expected to start alongside Sandesh Jhingan in the centre back role.

RB – Nikhil Poojary

Nikhil Poojary is expected to start against Tajikistan as the right back. With very limited options on the bench, Nikhil Poojary is the leading man to start even though there is an option to play Nikhil Barla of Jamshedpur FC in this position.

However, keeping in mind the experience that Poojary offers, he will take his place in the starting XI against Tajikistan.

CM – Ricky Shabong

Ricky was very good against Zimbabwe in India’s last game of the Unity Cup 2026. His work rate and ability to carry the ball forward were evident throughout the match.

While he still needs to improve under pressure and make better decisions in key moments, he has undoubtedly been one of the bright spots for India during a disappointing Unity Cup 2026 campaign.

So, he should start in midfield for India against Tajikistan.

CM – Macarton Nickson

The young midfielder, Macarton played a good game of football against Zimbabwe alongside his midfield partner Ricky. The youngster played a very crucial role while going forward and also came close to score a goal for India.

His work rate and relentless energy are qualities that make him such an effective player. However, there is a possibility that Macarton may not start against Tajikistan due to the physical advantage that the Tajik players possess.

But, based on his recent performances, he is still highly likely to be part of the starting XI.

LM – Vikram Partap Singh

Vikran is most likely to start on the left flank against Tajikistan. His performances have not been very good but with the abilities he possesses, he becomes an instant fit in Khalid Jamil’s system.

However, there are players like Sanan and Noufal who could start ahead of Vikram against Tajikistan.

RM – Lallianzuala Chhangte

Chhangte has been an integral part of the Indian team for a long time now. Even during the Unity Cup 2026, he came very close to getting India on the scoresheet on multiple occasions.

He is most likely to feature on the right flank against Tajikistan and will be hoping to finally get his name on the scoresheet.

CF – Farukh Choudhary

Farukh Choudhary is a player whom Khalid Jamil likes to field regularly. He featured in both of India’s games at the Unity Cup 2026 against Jamaica and Zimbabwe.

There have been a lot of questions regarding his inclusion. Against Jamaica, while playing in midfield, he was directly involved in the first goal India conceded, and in the game against Zimbabwe, he committed a reckless foul inside the penalty box, handing Zimbabwe a goal on a plate, which ultimately proved to be the difference maker as India lost 1-0.

There are players like Edmund and Parthib who can play in this role, but keeping Khalid Jamil’s way of playing, Farukh is likely to retain his position as the centre forward against Tajikistan.

CF – Rahim Ali

Another positive for India during the Unity Cup 2026 campaign was Rahim Ali. Even though the forward does not possess technical superiority, his willingness to keep creating chances and constantly put pressure on the opposition is a key asset going forward.

In both games at the Unity Cup 2026, whenever he was on the ball, he looked to make things happen and came very close on several occasions.

With Ryan Williams out injured, Rahim Ali is most likely to start against Tajikistan.

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