Read Bengali: চোটের কারণে নেই রায়ান, তাজিকিস্তানের বিরুদ্ধে বিকল্প কে?

Defeats against Jamaica and Zimbabwe saw India finish at the bottom of the standings, increasing pressure on the team ahead of their upcoming international friendlies. As a result, head coach Khalid Jamil will be keen to see his side bounce back when they take on Tajikistan national football team in two friendly matches scheduled for June 5 and June 9 in Dushanbe.

The challenge will not be an easy one. Tajikistan currently sits 103rd in the FIFA rankings, while India is ranked 137th. On paper, the hosts hold a clear advantage. Nevertheless, experienced players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan will look to guide the team towards a positive result away from home.

Ryan Williams Injury Creates Fresh Concern

Amid preparations for the two matches, India has been dealt a significant setback with the injury of star attacker Ryan Williams. According to reports, the forward has not travelled to Dushanbe with the squad due to his injury.

His absence leaves a major gap in India’s attacking setup and raises questions about who could step into the starting lineup.

Parthib Gogoi Emerges as Leading Candidate

One name that is increasingly being discussed as a potential replacement is Parthib Gogoi.

The NorthEast United FC forward enjoyed an impressive ISL campaign, contributing both goals and assists for his club. His pace, direct running and ability to create chances have made him one of the most exciting young attacking talents in Indian football.

With Ryan unavailable, Parthib could be handed a golden opportunity to establish himself at the international level. His recent form suggests he has the qualities needed to trouble opposition defences and provide India with an attacking spark.

If all goes according to plan, Khalid Jamil may well turn to the NorthEast United star as India looks to overcome a higher-ranked Tajikistan side and regain confidence ahead of future competitive fixtures.

আর্জেন্টিনায় খেলা এই ফুটবলার খেলবেন ভারতের জার্সিতে! সঙ্গে বেঙ্গালুরুর ১

On November 18, India will face Bangladesh in Dhaka. After losing to Singapore at home, India’s hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup finals are virtually over, especially without Sunil Chhetri. However, for this formality fixture, the federation wants to try out fresh talent and explore new possibilities. The national team camp begins in Bengaluru on Thursday, and both these “foreign” Indians are expected to join.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said, “Both Avneet and Williams will get a chance to prove themselves in the camp. If they meet the coach’s expectations, they could be included in the squad for the Dhaka match.”

Avneet Bharti, 26, currently plays for Bolivian top-division club Academia del Balompié Boliviano, on loan from Czech National League club FK Varnsdorf. He has also played for Sol de Mayo in Argentina. A centre-back by position, Avneet was born in Nepal, but because his father was a diplomat, he spent his childhood in several countries. During the 2019–20 season, he featured briefly for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, though most of his career has been abroad.

On the other hand, Ryan Williams, 31, was born in Perth, Australia, to an Anglo-Indian family — his mother is of Indian descent from Mumbai, and his father is from Kent, England. Recently, Williams obtained an Indian passport and currently plays as a forward for Bengaluru FC. He had earlier expressed his desire to represent India.

AIFF president Chaubey added, “In Williams’ case, we had to go through a long process. I must thank Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his ministry — without their help, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

According to federation sources, Avneet is ready to join the camp immediately, while Williams is awaiting final clearance. The inclusion of these two players could open a new horizon for Indian football. Their overseas experience and exposure could bring the strength and tactical awareness the Indian team needs to succeed on the international stage.