Ideal India Line-Up vs Bangladesh: Ryan Williams Poised for Debut in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier

India’s national football team is gearing up to face Bangladesh in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18. With both sides playing for pride and bragging rights—neither has a chance of advancing to the tournament. The Blue Tigers are eager to secure their first victory of the qualifying campaign, building momentum under head coach Khalid Jamil, who may use this fixture to test new tactics and players as he continues to refine his best XI.

Beyond just winning, India aims to deliver entertaining, promising football for fans, and Jamil is expected to adopt a positive approach. With a strong pool of players at his disposal, he will prioritize those in top form and full of confidence. Below is the predicted ideal line-up for India against Bangladesh:

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Under Jamil’s guidance, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has made a impressive comeback and is on track to reclaim his status as India’s No. 1 goalkeeper. The 33-year-old enjoyed a solid Super Cup campaign with Bengaluru FC, keeping three clean sheets in the group stages. With 82 international appearances to his name, he remains India’s go-to choice in goal. He’ll need to be sharp against Bangladesh, who are likely to test him with key shots and crosses—putting his aerial ability and cross-collection skills to the test.

Right-Back: Hmingthanmawia Ralte

The right-back spot has been a point of debate, with Rahul Bheke not considered the optimal fit. Instead, Hmingthanmawia Ralte (known as Valpuia) emerges as Jamil’s most in-form option. The Mumbai City defender was proactive and resilient in the recent Super Cup, even featuring as a centre-back in some matches. Ralte’s pace and defensive acumen should help neutralize Bangladesh’s left-wing threats, while his overlapping runs can add width and support to India’s attack.

Centre-Back: Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali has established himself as India’s most reliable and consistent defender under Jamil. Despite the team’s lack of wins during his tenure, Ali has excelled as a commanding presence in the backline, making crucial tackles and interceptions. He’ll play a key role in keeping Bangladesh’s forwards in check, relying on his game-reading ability and quick reflexes to disrupt opposition moves and lay the foundation for a positive result.

Centre-Back: Pramveer

With qualification out of reach, the remaining fixtures offer Jamil a chance to experiment and give young talent valuable top-level experience. This makes Punjab FC’s Pramveer an ideal candidate for his India debut against Bangladesh. The promising defender has already proven his worth with strong in-game intelligence, physical strength, and timely clearances. A debut against Bangladesh would allow him to showcase his ability to frustrate opposition attackers and gain international exposure.

Left-Back: Akash Mishra

Akash Mishra last represented India in March 2024, in a 0-0 draw with Afghanistan. After recovering from a serious knee injury, the 23-year-old has returned to full fitness and delivered solid performances for Mumbai City in the Super Cup group stages—earning a recall to the national squad. With Muhammad Uvais struggling for effectiveness, Mishra brings energy and dynamism to the left-back position. Defensively robust, he can nullify wingers, while his ability to carry the ball forward and deliver precise crosses adds an attacking threat.

Defensive-Midfield: Nikhil Prabhu

Jamil recognizes the need to protect his backline and secure a clean sheet against Bangladesh, making Nikhil Prabhu’s inclusion in the deep midfield role a priority. The tough-tackling midfielder has impressed in his early international appearances, carrying over his strong form from Punjab FC. He was standout in the Super Cup group stages, scoring a goal and disrupting opponents with his ball-winning skills and physicality. Prabhu will shield the defense, win possession in critical areas, and initiate counter-attacks for India.

Centre-Midfield: Suresh Singh

Suresh Singh’s never-give-up attitude and combative style make him a perfect fit for Jamil’s system. While not the most creative or flashy player, he excels at the basics—winning the ball back, pressing opponents intensely to force mistakes, and maintaining possession in key areas. These qualities make him ideal for the Bangladesh clash, as he can dominate midfield battles and drive the Blue Tigers forward.

Centre-Midfield: Macarton Louis Nickson

Macarton Louis Nickson made a strong India debut against Singapore, troubling the opposition with his high energy and varied passing range—proving he deserves more playing time. The NorthEast United midfielder can boost India’s midfield tempo with quick ball circulation, putting Bangladesh under pressure and helping India control the central areas. His presence will add stability and creativity to the engine room.

Right-Wing: Ryan Williams

Ryan Williams has been a hot topic in Indian football after renouncing his Australian passport to gain Indian citizenship, clearing the way for his national team debut against Bangladesh. The 33-year-old is in fine form for Bengaluru FC, contributing three goals (two goals, one assist) in as many Super Cup group stage matches. His pace, ball-carrying ability, and clinical final product can elevate India’s attack, creating clear-cut chances and increasing their goal-scoring threat.

Left-Wing: Lallianzuala Chhangte

Lallianzuala Chhangte scored a memorable goal in India’s recent match against Singapore, cementing his place in Jamil’s plans with an impressive performance. Tasked with being an unpredictable threat against Bangladesh, he’ll use his movement and game intelligence to unsettle defenders. The Mumbai City forward needs to position himself cleverly, finish chances efficiently, and enhance India’s final-third presence to help the team end their winless run.

Centre-Forward: Rahim Ali

Sunil Chhetri failed to fit into Jamil’s system, delivering underwhelming performances, making Rahim Ali the top candidate for the No. 9 role. The Odisha FC forward scored an instinctive goal in the recent draw with Singapore and aligns well with Jamil’s style of play. Ali’s physicality will trouble Bangladesh’s defenders, while his pressing and off-the-ball movement add value to the team. To secure victory, he’ll need to be more clinical and make the most of his opportunities.