India great Sunil Chhetri has often frustrated Bangladesh over the last decade, either by scoring crucial equalisers or netting match-winning goals. His absence from the squad ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers offers some relief for hosts Bangladesh.

Since Chhetri made his international debut in 2005, India have played nine international matches against Bangladesh, winning three and drawing six. Chhetri featured in the last six encounters -- including their home AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers clash in Assam in March -- rescuing his side with equalisers in 2013, 2014, and 2021, and guiding them to a 2-0 win in the 2021 World Cup Qualifiers.

Now effectively retired from international football, Chhetri's absence is a boost for Bangladesh ahead of the November 18 tie at the National Stadium. Yet experienced defender Topu Barman admits he will miss facing the Indian captain, who has challenged Bangladeshi players repeatedly in the now-defunct AFC Cup.

"Definitely I will miss him as a rival because I played against him many times for the national team and for the club teams in AFC Cup," Topu told The Daily Star yesterday.

"He had a vast experience and helped his side winning many matches by scoring goals. In this perspective, we are a bit of relief but of course we have to be more cautious with new striker, Australian-born Ryan Williams."

Topu also believes India will feel Chhetri's absence in leadership.

"I want to say that he had such a character to lead the India team from front on the ground tremendously and India of course will miss his leadership, but it will be our plus point," said the Bashundhara Kings defender.

Chhetri previously came to Dhaka with Bengaluru FC to face Abahani in the AFC Cup in 2017. With 95 goals in 157 international appearances, he is the fourth-highest goal scorer in international football, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.

Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan also acknowledges Chhetri's influence on and off the pitch.

"I think Sunil has been a great asset for India throughout the last decade. I had hope he would be there, but unfortunately, I think this time he has retired for good. India has good players, but Sunil is slightly different and is also a leader type," Jamal told The Daily Star.