Five Key Players India Will Miss in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier vs Bangladesh
India’s national football team is gearing up to face Bangladesh in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18, set to travel to Dhaka with a reshuffled lineup that includes several fresh faces. This fixture marks the start of a transitional phase for Indian football, as head coach Khalid Jamil looks to usher in youth and reshape the team’s fortunes.
While the focus has been on the new additions, the unavailability of five key players has cast a shadow over India’s preparations. Here’s a look at the stars the Blue Tigers will be without against Bangladesh:
Muhammed Suhail
Amid the gloom surrounding Indian football, the U23 national team has been a beacon of hope, and Muhammed Suhail has emerged as its most standout star over the past few months. The Kerala-born winger rose to prominence last season with his dazzling performances for Punjab FC, stealing the limelight in the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. His inclusion in the senior squad was highly anticipated, but a shoulder injury will force him to sit out the Bangladesh clash.
Suhail Bhatt
With Sunil Chhetri’s retirement from international football, India is lacking a key figure up front, and 20-year-old striker Suhail Bhatt (hailing from Jammu and Kashmir) is widely tipped as a potential replacement. The youngster made a stellar comeback to the U23 team in October, netting a brace against Indonesia. However, Mohun Bagan’s refusal to release players outside the FIFA International Window means he’ll miss the upcoming fixture.
Apuia
Apuia, another Mohun Bagan player, will also be absent from India’s squad. While the FIFA International Window opened on November 10, the national team camp got underway five days earlier—and Jamil insisted on full squad presence from day one, leading to the exclusion of Mohun Bagan’s contingent. Apuia delivered impressive displays in the October qualifiers, earning a deserved recall, and his technical prowess in midfield would have been pivotal during this transitional period.
Abneet Bharti
Abneet Bharti, who earned his first call-up to the Indian national team, won’t be able to join the Bengaluru-based camp. The 27-year-old plies his trade in Bolivia’s top flight with Academia del Balompié Boliviano, and his club has declined to release him due to logistical challenges. His selection signaled the AIFF’s expanded approach to identifying eligible players, as the versatile Bharti can operate at center-back and other positions.
Abhishek Tekcham
Left-back Abhishek Tekcham is another casualty of the ongoing dispute between the AIFF and Mohun Bagan, missing out on another chance to represent India for the same reason as his club teammates. His last international appearance came in June against Hong Kong, and his presence would have boosted India’s defensive options on the left flank.
