India lock horns with Maldives in this exciting and action-packed in an international friendly game on 19th March 2025 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Notably, India plays their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier games from next week.
Former Indian captain Sunil Chhetri recently came out of retirement and will be playing in this game against Maldives and also against Bangladesh on 25th March 2025. All eyes and the spotlight will be on the Indian football team and Sunil Chhetri as the talismanic striker would be looking to perform well for the country in Shillong.
In the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, Sunil Chhetri has netted 12 goals and is the second-highest goal-scorer in the competition. He is sparkling with rhythm and rhyme and will be a key player to watch out for in this clash.
“He is the Indian player with the most goals this season. It doesn’t matter if a player is 20, 40, or my grandfather at 87. If they are in better shape, they will be here. The national team is not about developing players. Developed players have to arrive here. The main team needs to win games. And if we need to win games, we need to call players who are in better shape,” said Manolo Marquez, who is the Head Coach of the Indian football team.
It has been nearly 18 months since India’s last victory in the international arena and this match will be very crucial for Manolo Marquez and co. ahead of their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
India are coming on the back of a 0-3 loss at the hands of Syria and need a strong comeback in this game.
We take a look at the live streaming details, predicted starting XI and the starting time of this international friendly game:
When will the India vs Maldives international friendly game take place?
The India vs Maldives international friendly game will be taking place on 19th March 2025 and is slated to begin from 7:00 PM (IST).
Where to watch the India vs Maldives international friendly game on television in India?
The India vs Maldives international friendly game will be broadcasted live on the Star Sports Network.
Where to watch the live streaming of the India vs Maldives international friendly game in India?
The India vs Maldives international friendly game will be live streamed on the JioHotstar application in India.
Predicted Starting XI
India
A. Singh; Bheke, Jhingan, Bose, N.R. Singh; Wangjam, Apuia, Fernandes; Yadwad, S. Chhetri, Choudhary
Maldives
Shareef; Samooh, Sifaau, H. Hassan, Shifaz; H. Mohamed, Mahudhee, Nihan, Irufaan, N. Hassan; Fasir
