Overview

• Sunil Chhetri will play his 152nd international match for India after reversing his retirement earlier this month at the request of head coach Manolo Marquez.
• The friendly against Maldives serves as a preparatory step for India's AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.
• India faces significant squad challenges with injuries to key players including Lallianzuala Chhangte, Ashish Rai, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
• This match marks the first time the Indian national football team will play in Shillong, with a full-capacity crowd expected at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
• Chhetri has been in top form, scoring 12 goals in the Indian Super League this season, making him the top Indian scorer and a vital addition to India's attack.