Overview
- The friendly match between India and Maldives will take place on March 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
- Sunil Chhetri, India's legendary striker, is set to play after coming out of retirement following a strong domestic season with 12 goals in the Indian Super League.
- India's head coach Manolo Marquez confirmed Chhetri's participation and hinted at squad rotation as part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.
- Maldives, ranked 162 in the world, are using the match to prepare for their own AFC Asian Cup qualifier against the Philippines on March 25.
- India has historically dominated Maldives, winning 15 of their 21 encounters, with Chhetri scoring a brace in their last meeting in 2021.