Even though there is a big gulf in ranking as well as performances between Bangladesh and India, the matches involving the two neighbours have over the years produced some thrilling contests.

Hamza’s true impact will not be measured in goals or assists but in his ability to shape the team’s rhythm, structure, and control of the game.

Bangladesh centre-back Tapu Barman said his side would have to be wary about India’s set-piece prowess ahead of the much-anticipated Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture between the sides in Shillong on March 25. 

According to Transfermarkt, the total market value of the Bangladesh squad stands at a staggering $8.62 million -- leaving India trailing with a valuation of $6.064 million.

Set to take place on March 25 in Shillong, the clash between the two teams is not just another qualifier; it is a battle between a rejuvenated Bangladeshi side and the man who has haunted them time and again.

When Bangladesh football team captain Jamal Bhuiyan told the press on Thursday, “It feels our [Lionel] Messi is here,” about the arrival of Hamza Choudhury, he wasn’t exaggerating.

As Bangladesh gear up for their crucial Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture against India, captain Jamal Bhuiyan likened the excitement surrounding Hamza Choudhury’s homecoming to that of a global superstar.

Hamza Choudhury, the biggest name in Bangladesh football, spent a busy day in Dhaka on Wednesday

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan believes midfielder Hamza Choudhury will get goosebumps when he listens to the national anthem being played prior to his debut match against India in Shillong on March 25.

Even as Hamza Choudhury remained confined within his ancestral home in Habiganj for most of yesterday before joining the national team camp in Dhaka in the night, the Sheffield United midfielder remained at the heart of the plans of the team and the expectations of the football aficionados of the country.

Cabrera, who had a meeting with Hamza in Dhaka tonight, revealed that the entire squad was eager to welcome him and start preparing for the crucial clash against India.

Hamza Chowdhury distributed Eid gifts to the underprivileged in his native village of Snanaghat in Habiganj today.

“It feels incredible. My heart is pumped,” Hamza told the media in front of Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Monday, his words barely audible over the deafening chants of his name.

In another exciting reveal, Hamza announced that he would wear the No.8 jersey for Bangladesh.

Word of his visit had drawn thousands of eager locals who lined the streets, hoping for a glimpse of the footballer.

Hamza Choudhury was overwhelmed by his ‘long time coming’ homecoming to Bangladesh and said he is optimistic about starting his Bangladesh career with a win over India.

Hamza Choudhury has landed at the Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Monday morning and is heading towards his ancestral village Snanghat of Bahubal Upazila, Habiganj for a long-awaited homecoming.

Excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high in Snanghat village of Bahubal Upazila, Habiganj, as English footballer of Bangladeshi origin, Hamza Choudhury, prepares for a historic visit.

Rahmatganj right-back Mohammad Taj Uddin said he was eager to play alongside Sheffield United’s Hamza Choudhury and looked forward to talking with Hamza in Sylheti. 

National team forward Mohammad Ibrahim said all the players are eager for a place in the starting eleven, particularly because the opposition is India, as the men in red and green continue to ramp up preparations in training for their Asian Cup Qualifiers match on March 25 against their neighbours.