India likely to send second-string squad to SAFF Championship in Dhaka: reports

India are set to prioritise two international friendlies against New Zealand in November over defending their SAFF Championship title in Dhaka, according to a Times of India report, with the Blue Tigers' senior side expected to travel while an under-23 or reserve-heavy squad competes in Bangladesh instead.

The clash stems from a scheduling overlap, with the SAFF Championship running from November 4 to 17 while the FIFA international window opens only on November 7, leaving India seemingly unable to field their strongest available group across both commitments at once.

Head coach Khalid Jamil is understood to favour sending his best available players against New Zealand, viewing tougher opposition as more valuable preparation than a second SAFF Championship triumph, having previously accepted the federation's call to prioritise friendlies over the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

"When the friendlies against teams that played at the World Cup were offered, I agreed with the federation's decision," Jamil was quoted as saying by the Times of India, adding that continuity with a younger group mattered more at this stage of India's rebuilding process.

New Zealand, ranked 52 places above India at 86th in the world, impressed at the 2026 World Cup by scoring against every group opponent, including a result against European heavyweights Belgium and draws with Iran and Egypt, making them a stern test.

The two friendlies, part of the "100 Years of Unity Through Sport" initiative announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit in July, will be played on November 12 and November 15 at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland and One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

If a weakened side does travel to Dhaka, it could shake up a tournament India enter as defending champions and top seeds. They have been drawn with Pakistan and Maldives in Group B, while Bangladesh face Sri Lanka and Bhutan in Group A.