India have announced a strong 23-man squad for their crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 November, at the Dhaka National Stadium. According to an official statement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Indian team will arrive in Dhaka on the evening of Saturday, 15 November.
The headline inclusion is undoubtedly Ryan Williams, the Australia-born winger with a multi-national background—Australian by birth, eligible for England and Wales through his father, and now an Indian citizen through his mother’s lineage.
His participation, however, is still subject to clearance. Williams will need an official No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Football Australia, followed by approval from both FIFA and the AFC, before he can take the field for India.
The 32-year-old currently plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. His résumé includes stints at English clubs Fulham, Portsmouth and Burnley, giving him valuable top-flight experience. Although he represented Australia at youth level, he never earned a senior cap—opening the door for his international future with India.
India’s squad blends seasoned defenders like Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali with energetic young midfielders such as Suresh Singh Wangjam and Mahesh Singh Naorem. In attack, the presence of Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, and the newly eligible Ryan Williams signals India’s intent to take the game to Bangladesh.
With both teams eyeing vital qualification points, the stage is set for a high-intensity encounter in Dhaka.
⭐ India’s 23-Man Squad (English Version)
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Hrithik Tiwari, Sahil |
| Defenders | Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bikash Yumnam, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, Parambir, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan |
| Midfielders | Brison Fernandes, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Makartan Lewis Nixon, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam |
| Forwards | Edmund Lalrindika, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mohammad Shanan, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams, Vikram Pratap Singh |
