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

India lost the first friendly against Tajikistan

India will play their second international friendly against Tajikistan on 9th June 2026 at the Hisor Central Stadium in Tajikistan. The Blue Tigers lost their first friendly match against Tajikistan 3-1, which was played on 5th June at the TALCO Arena.

India were completely outclassed by Tajikistan in the first friendly and managed to score just goal in the game, while Farukh Choudhary’s late free-kick provided India with a consolation goal, the Central Asian side largely dominated the contest and will head into the rematch full of confidence.

Ahead of the crucial last international friendly against Tajikistan, take a look at how the Indian team can possibly line up in this game.

Formation: 4-3-3

GK – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

The experienced Indian custodian, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, should start as the first choice goalkeeper for the Blue Tigers.

He has been in good form at an individual level, keeping aside the team’s performances, and therefore easily emerges as the top candidate to start in goal for India.

LB – Akash Mishra

Akash Mishra has slowly and steadily made his comeback from a long term injury and has done well for India.

While his performance in the last friendly was not up to the mark, the quality and ability he possesses make him the preferred choice to occupy the left back spot.

CB – Sandesh Jhingan

The question of Sandesh Jhingan starting at centre back should be a no-brainer. The experienced Indian defender has consistently performed well for the national team and should retain his place in the starting XI for the second friendly against Tajikistan.

CB – Pramveer Singh

Rahul Bheke has been one of Khalid Jamil’s preferred choices as centre back for a long time. However, his performances in recent games have not been particularly convincing.

In this situation, youngster Pramveer Singh deserves an opportunity and there is a strong possibility that he could start alongside Sandesh Jhingan, especially considering that this is India’s final friendly against Tajikistan in the tour.

That said, it would not come as a surprise if Rahul Bheke retains his place in the starting XI, as Khalid has consistently shown faith on him.

RB – Nikhil Poojary

Nikhil Poojary is a player who has performed well for India in the past, but his recent displays have not been up to the mark.

He has been committing unnecessary fouls and making mistakes that have cost the team. Despite that, he is most likely to retain his spot at right back for the second friendly.

However, India does have an option on the bench in the form of Nikhil Barla, who could very well be given an opportunity to start at right back if Khalid Jamil decide to make changes.

LM – Macarton Nickson

Macarton has been a very important part of India’s midfield in recent games. We have seen his ability to make late runs into the opposition box, which adds an extra attacking dimension to the team. He came close to scoring in the Unity Cup and again in the last friendly against Tajikistan.

However, he did concede a silly penalty, which is an area of his game that needs improvement. He must remain calm and composed in such situations.

Despite that, his overall performances and qualities make him a strong candidate to start for India as part of the midfield three.

CM – Jeakson Singh

Jeakson’s overall performances have not been particularly impressive, but he remains the most experienced option in India’s midfield.

He needs to improve and deliver better performances, but given the lack of alternatives in the middle of the park, he is almost certain to start as part of the midfield three.

RM – Ricky Shabong

Ricky has been a crucial part of the Indian midfield for the past few games and should almost certainly start in the midfield three.

While his performance in the last friendly can be questioned, his overall quality and ability make him an automatic choice in the starting XI.

LW – Mohammed Sanan

Mohammed Sanan should be given a start on the left flank. The youngster has been in very good form recently but has struggled to get consistent minutes with the senior national team. However, as we saw in the last friendly, Khalid Jamil made some surprising changes to his lineup.

There is a strong possibility that Khalid could start Sanan on the left flank to give him some crucial minutes. At the same time, it would not be surprising if Khalid decides not to start him and play Farukh Choudhary instead.

RW – Lallianzuala Chhangte

Chhangte is arguably the most technically gifted attacking player in the current Indian national team setup. However, his recent performances have been far from impressive, and he has not made any significant impact in national colours lately.

Despite that, due to the lack of strong alternatives on the right flank, he is likely to retain his spot in the starting XI.

CF – Edmund Lalrindika

Edmund should start up front against Tajikistan in this second friendly. He did not have a major impact in the first match but came very close to scoring in the early minutes when his header struck the goalpost after a cross from Akash Mishra.

However, there is a strong possibility that either Parthib Gogoi or Rahim Ali could take his place in the starting XI. Despite that competition, Edmund should manage to retain his position up front.

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