India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on October 4, 2021 at the National Football Stadium in Male. India's head coach Igor Stimac maintained at the official pre-match press conference that “the first game is always the most difficult game”. Bangladesh have got off to a positive start in the SAFF Championship 2021 after they edged Sri Lanka 1-0 in the tournament opener. In their previous encounter with the Blue Tigers, they were defeated 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Sunil Chhetri. So this time they will have a point to prove against Igor Stimac's men. India need to start in the SAFF Championship 2021 on a winning note as it will give 7-time champions a positive start in the competition.