For several days now, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan has been facing the same uncomfortable question: “Will you start against India tomorrow?” The matter has become a recurring theme in every press interaction, originating from the first-leg fixture in Shillong. On that occasion, head coach Javier Cabrera appeared at the pre-match press conference with Jamal beside him—only to drop the veteran midfielder from the starting lineup the very next day. The captain’s armband went instead to defender Topu Barman.
The pattern continued. Jamal was excluded from the starting XI against Singapore and Hong Kong in Dhaka, and was not used even as a substitute. In the away match against Hong Kong he finally featured, but only coming off the bench.
Naturally, doubts remain about his involvement in today’s decisive Asian Cup qualifying fixture against India. Jamal has declined to offer detailed comments, saying only that although he wants to play, the decision rests entirely with the coach and team management. Yet, whether he starts or not, the midfielder believes Bangladesh have the upper hand this time. “We are playing at home and, with Hamza and Shamit joining the squad, I think Bangladesh are stronger than India at the moment,” he explained.
Now 35, Jamal is primarily a holding midfielder, though Cabrera has recently deployed him both centrally and in more advanced positions. He started in midfield in the most recent match against Nepal, but tonight his chances of making the starting XI appear slim. The likely defensive line features Mitul Marma behind Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Saad Uddin and Zayan Ahmed. In midfield, Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Som are expected to partner Sohel Rana and Faisal Ahmed Fahim, with Rakib Hossain leading the attack.
Even so, Jamal may come on as a substitute. Since his debut in 2013, he has earned 92 caps, including six matches against India—none of which Bangladesh managed to win. The captain, however, believes this squad is the strongest in years and sees a genuine opportunity to end the winless run. “This is one of the best Bangladesh squads we’ve ever had. We have a real chance,” he said.
With Bangladesh winning only once in seven matches this year, Jamal is eager to end 2025 on a positive note. “It’s an emotional match, a high-pressure match. After this, the national team won’t play for a while. A win would be uplifting for us and for the supporters.”
He also acknowledged defensive vulnerabilities, but stressed that India’s attacking approach could create counter-attacking space for Bangladesh. “Rakib might be the fastest player in South Asia. If we use him properly, he can trouble any defence,” Jamal noted confidently.