The timeline of India vs Bangladesh captures one of South Asia’s most closely followed football rivalries. Rooted in shared history, geography, and passionate fan bases, matches between India and Bangladesh often go beyond sport, carrying emotional and regional significance.
While India has traditionally held the upper hand, Bangladesh has steadily improved over the years, making recent encounters more competitive and intense.
Overview of India vs Bangladesh Football Rivalry
The rivalry began soon after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, with its first official encounters taking place in regional tournaments such as the SAFF Championship, AFC competitions, and international friendlies.
What defines this rivalry is contrast:
- India’s structured football system and international exposure
- Bangladesh’s growing grassroots development and fighting spirit
Despite India’s historical dominance, Bangladesh’s recent performances indicate a
narrowing the gap.
Key rivalry traits:
- High emotional intensity
- Regional pride at stake
- Physical and defensive gameplay
- Passionate home crowds
India vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Record (Overall)
| Stat | Record |
| Total Matches | 30+ |
| India Wins | 15+ |
| Bangladesh Wins | 5+ |
| Draws | 10+ |
| India Clean Sheets | High |
| Bangladesh Clean Sheets | Limited |
India leads the head-to-head record, but a significant number of matches have ended in draws, highlighting Bangladesh’s resilience.
India National Football Team vs Bangladesh National Football Team Timeline (Year-by-Year)
| Year | Winning Team | Tournament | Venue |
| 1978 | India | Friendly | India |
| 1985 | India | SAFF Championship | Dhaka |
| 1991 | Draw | SAF Games | Colombo |
| 1999 | India | SAFF Championship | Goa |
| 2003 | India | SAFF Championship | Dhaka |
| 2011 | India | World Cup Qualifier | Dhaka |
| 2013 | India | SAFF Championship | Kathmandu |
| 2018 | Draw | Friendly | Kolkata |
| 2019 | Draw | FIFA WC Qualifier | Kolkata |
| 2021 | India | Friendly | Doha |
| 2023 | Draw | SAFF Championship | Bengaluru |
The timeline shows India’s dominance in earlier years, with recent fixtures becoming increasingly competitive.
Most Memorable India vs Bangladesh Matches
- 2019 World Cup Qualifier (Kolkata): Bangladesh held India to a shocking 1–1 draw, showcasing tactical discipline and mental strength.
- 2013 SAFF Championship Match: India secured a crucial win en route to lifting the SAFF title.
- 2018 International Friendly: A tightly contested draw that highlighted Bangladesh’s improving squad depth.
These matches underscore the rivalry’s evolving nature.
India vs Bangladesh in Tournaments & High-Pressure Matches
| Match Type | Year | Tournament | Result |
| SAFF Final | 1999 | SAFF Championship | India Won |
| World Cup Qualifier | 2011 | AFC Qualifiers | India Won |
| WC Qualifier | 2019 | AFC Qualifiers | Draw |
| Regional Decider | 2023 | SAFF Championship | Draw |
India has historically handled pressure better, but Bangladesh has proven capable of upsetting expectations.
Top Performers in India vs Bangladesh Matches
Most Goals in India vs Bangladesh Matches
| Player | Team | Goals |
| Sunil Chhetri | India | 5+ |
| Bhaichung Bhutia | India | 4+ |
| Jamal Bhuyan | Bangladesh | 2+ |
| Mamunul Islam | Bangladesh | 2+ |
Most Appearances
| Player | Team | Matches |
| Sunil Chhetri | India | 10+ |
| Subrata Pal | India | 8+ |
| Jamal Bhuyan | Bangladesh | 7+ |
| Topu Barman | Bangladesh | 6+ |
These players have defined key moments in the rivalry.
Venue-Wise Performance: India vs Bangladesh
| Venue | India Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draws |
| India (Home) | High | Very Few | Moderate |
| Bangladesh (Home) | Moderate | Few | Moderate |
| Neutral Venues | Balanced | Rare | Frequent |
Home advantage has played a major role, especially in high-attendance matches in India.
Recent India vs Bangladesh Matches (Last 5 Encounters)
- 2023: Draw in the SAFF Championship
- 2021: India won a friendly
- 2019: Famous draw in Kolkata
- 2018: Friendly draw
- 2013: India won the SAFF match
Recent encounters suggest Bangladesh is closing the competitive gap.
Key Stats & Interesting Facts (India vs Bangladesh)
- India has never lost heavily to Bangladesh
- Bangladesh has drawn multiple matches since 2018
- Sunil Chhetri is the highest scorer in this rivalry
- Several matches decided by single-goal margins
These stats reflect how closely fought recent games have become.
Why India vs Bangladesh Is a Special South Asian Rivalry
This rivalry thrives on regional pride, shared history, and fan passion. While India brings experience and structure, Bangladesh brings intensity and hunger.
Every encounter feels unpredictable, making it one of South Asia’s most engaging football matchups.
Conclusion
The India national football team vs Bangladesh national football team timeline tells a story of dominance evolving into competition. India’s historical superiority is clear, but Bangladesh’s steady progress has transformed this fixture into a genuine contest.
As both teams continue to develop, future clashes promise even more intensity, drama, and regional pride.
FAQs
1. Who leads the India vs Bangladesh football record?
India leads the overall head-to-head record.
2. Has Bangladesh ever beaten India in football?
Yes, Bangladesh has registered a few wins, though they are limited.
3. Who scored the most goals in this rivalry?
Sunil Chhetri holds the record for most goals against Bangladesh.
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