India vs Russia Preview: Blue Tigresses face tough test in Kolkata debut

India, ranked 69th in the world, faces 27th-ranked Russia at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on October 8, before the teams meet again on October 11.

Updated : Oct 07, 2026 19:10 IST , KOLKATA - 3 MINS READ

Head coach Crispin Chettri said the Indian squad’s average age is 23, with the youngest players aged 19, and several have progressed from the Under-20 setup. | Photo Credit: AIFF Media

India will have its task cut out when it takes to the field against Russia in what will be the Blue Tigresses’ first-ever international appearance in the city of Kolkata.

India, ranked 69th in the world, faces 27th-ranked Russia at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on October 8, before the teams meet again on October 11. The fixtures mark India’s return to international action following its sixth SAFF Women’s Championship title in June.

The squad carries a different look from the one that faced Russia at the Pink Ladies Cup last year. Head coach Crispin Chettri said its average age is 23, with the youngest players aged 19, and several have progressed from the Under-20 setup.

Goalkeeper Nandini and winger Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam are among those seeking to establish themselves at senior level. Forward Renu, who attended the press conference alongside Chettri, returns after an injury absence, while Lynda Kom Serto and Malavika P are in contention for greater responsibility.

The preparations have not been without complications. Chettri said East Bengal’s commitments towards their AFC Women’s Champions League campaign and the Indian Women’s League had affected the availability of players he wanted for the longer camp.

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What are the coaches saying?

hettri hopes the occasion will bring both a demanding football examination and the support his players deserve. “I want them to come in loads and support our own team. They deserve that at least,” Chettri said at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. “So I think it’s time for Kolkata to show that we really care about football irrespective of gender.”

“If you want to do good in the Asian Cup, then we have to start building right now,” he added.

“Maybe this could be a blessing for the upcoming players to show their character,” he said. “And I think there is nothing to lose for us, but to show character and give our best for the country.”

For Russia head coach Yuri Krasnozhan, the previous results offer no guarantees. “The previous game is history, it’s just statistics. Every new game is a new challenge for both teams,” he said. “We are preparing to get the win in this game.”

Krasnozhan also acknowledged India’s progress, referring to Russia’s experience against both the senior side and the Indian U-17 team.

India vs Russia head-to-head record

Russia have won both previous meetings, scoring 10 goals without conceding. Its 8-0 victory in 2021 was followed by a 2-0 win in Sharjah on February 23, 2025, when Glafira Zhukova and Valentina Smirnova scored.

India squad for Russia friendlies

Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini

Defenders: Dhurga Perumal, Juli Kishan, Kiran Pisda, Malati Munda, Mousumi Murmu, Purnima Kumari, Ranjana Chanu Sorokhaibam, Shubhangi Singh

Midfielders: Babina Devi Lisham, Baby Sana, Cindy Colney, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Sanfida Nongrum, Sangita Basfore, Santosh

Forwards: Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Renu, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sushmita Jadhav