The Bangladesh–India football rivalry rarely needs stakes to spark electricity — and Tuesday night’s showdown at the National Stadium is already crackling with tension. Though both sides are out of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, emotions, pride, and history tied to this fixture have filled Dhaka with palpable anticipation.

India arrived in the capital on Saturday and immediately focused on preparations. Their first training session on Sunday at Uttara’s ABPN Playground was followed by a sharper, more focused run on Monday morning at the match venue — despite the game being scheduled for the evening.

Asked about this unusual routine, head coach Khalid Jamil was succinct: “There is no reason. We always train one day before the match in the morning. This is our plan.”

His tight-lipped, cautious approach set the tone for India’s camp. 

In the pre-match press conference, Jamil refused to indulge the rivalry hype, offering no grand statements or jabs — only clipped replies. “We are only thinking about tomorrow’s match,” he said.

Still, he made India’s intent clear: “This is not a friendly. It is an Asian Cup Qualifier. We want to win.”

A former India international himself, Jamil understands the fixture’s fire. “Players from both teams understand what this match means. Everyone becomes very serious,” he noted.

One key cloud hangs over the camp: Australian-born winger Ryan Williams, who switched nationality to play for India, arrived in Dhaka without FIFA’s final clearance. As of Monday midnight, approval had not yet arrived. Should it come within 24 hours of kickoff, he can play; if not, he will miss out. Jamil confirmed they are prepared for both outcomes: “We are preparing for both situations.”

Silent but focused, India have only added fuel to a fierce rivalry.