The turnout for the Bangladesh game, unprecedented for national team matches in the country, left everyone impressed with India head coach Igor Stimac saying that it will remain in his memory forever.
India missed their star defender Sandesh Jhingan sorely as a judgmental error from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saw Bangladesh go 1-0 up in the 42nd minute through a Saad Uddin header.
A first-half strike from Saad Uddin in the 42nd minute helped Bangladesh take a shock lead against India, who are 83 places above them and drew 0-0 against Asian champions Qatar in their last game.
With Indian Super League (ISL) set to begin on October 20 followed by the I-League most of the players will be out to represent their respective franchises and Stimac is worried that he won't get enough players for the camp.
Bangladesh football is in dire need of investment and sponsorship as there is lack of academy, equipment and the league is also not properly structured.
Chhetri was not part of India's famous 0-0 draw against Asian champions Qatar last month due to illness.
After holding Asian champions Qatar to a 0-0 draw last month, Sunil Chhetri and Co. will be eyeing to notch their first win in group E to keep their slender qualification hopes alive.
"We'll need to work on set-pieces, combinations and choose the best eleven for the game. The entire squad is extremely excited. Thank you Kolkata for your response," Stimac said.
Bhutia said that the team's defence has already showed a good account of itself in the last two World Cup qualifier matches and the onus is on the strikers to deliver against Bangladesh on October 15.
Asked about the Indian players they are wary of, unsurprisingly Jamie Day said captain and record goalscorer Sunil Chhetri is Bangladesh's main threat.
India football team's head coach Igor Stimac announced a list of 29 probables for the upcoming world cup qualifier against Bangladesh.
India football team's head coach Igor Stimac announced a list of 29 probables for the upcoming world cup qualifier against Bangladesh.
Indian football team coach Igor Stimac on Tuesday named a 29 probables for a preparatory camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh.
Sridarth was the top performer, scoring a brace, while Shubho Paul was also not too far behind, scoring a first-half goal and providing an assist for Taison Singh in the second half.
Qatar enjoyed 63% possession and had 13 shots on target but Gurpreet was unbeatable.
Mandhar broke Indian hearts when he flicked the ball past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to restore parity in the 82nd minute.
Igor Stimac has acknowledged that Oman, along with Qatar, are the two strong favourites in the group.
The last time the two teams faced off was in a friendly game in December 2018 where the match ended in a goalless draw in Abu Dhabi.
Stimac predicted a tough match on Thursday, considering that India have never won any FIFA-recognised match against Oman.
India begin their campaign against Oman on September 5 in Guwahati followed by an away game against Asian champions Qatar in Doha on September 10.
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