Three Players Fortunate to Earn India Recall to Face Bangladesh in AFC Asian Cup Despite Bad Performances

India’s national football team is gearing up to face Bangladesh in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier on November 18.  Earlier this month, head coach Khalid Jamil announced his 23-man probable squad, a move that signaled his intent to reshape the team following its recent elimination from the Asian Cup qualifying race.

However, a handful of players have retained their places despite a string of lackluster showings in national colors. With calls for sweeping changes growing louder, these individuals may be running out of chances to prove their worth. Below are the three players who count themselves lucky to earn another call-up for India’s upcoming qualifier:

Rahul Bheke

The seasoned 34-year-old defender has failed to impress fans with his recent displays. Bheke struggled to find form during the CAFA Nations Cup—Khalid Jamil’s first tournament in charge—and his poor run continued in India’s October AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore. A key factor behind his struggles has been Jamil’s decision to deploy him at center-back, a position where he has looked uncomfortable.

While Bheke appears more solid when playing at right-back, he faces stiff competition from other options in the squad. With Jamil keen to inject youth into the team, these upcoming opportunities could be Bheke’s last unless he delivers a significant improvement in performance.

Irfan Yadwad

Irfan Yadwad has arguably been one of India’s least impactful players in recent fixtures. Jamil brought the 24-year-old striker into the fold hoping he would address the team’s attacking woes, but those plans fell flat as Yadwad proved not yet ready for the big stage.

The young forward needs to improve in several key areas to secure a long-term spot. Most notably, he lacks intensity—often failing to press opposition defenders, allowing them to play out comfortably. His physicality is also insufficient to make up for his lack of pressing, and he has consistently struggled with his finishing.

Ashique Kuruniyan

Once hailed as a rising star of Indian football, winger Ashique Kuruniyan is now fighting to hold onto his place in the national team. A run of consistent poor performances has pushed him to the periphery, and the arrival of talented young wide players has led fans to question his role in the side.

Kuruniyan offered little threat down the wings during the CAFA Nations Cup, limiting India’s attacking output on the flanks. As younger competitors close in, both Jamil and fans will be demanding nothing short of exceptional performances from Kuruniyan in the upcoming fixtures.