India may hold the edge over Bangladesh when it comes to on-field records ahead of Tuesday's highly-anticipated Asian Cup qualifier fixture in Shillong. But interestingly, in one key aspect, Javier Cabrera's charges have already outpaced the hosts: market value.

Despite sitting 59 places below India in FIFA rankings, Bangladesh is flexing serious financial muscle -- at least on paper. While India holds the edge on the global rankings chart (ranked 126th to Bangladesh's 185th), Bangladesh have roared ahead on the market value front.

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. And the man behind this dramatic disparity? None other than midfield sensation Hamza Chowdhury.

Currently on loan from Leicester City to Sheffield United, the Premier League-caliber midfielder is worth a jaw-dropping $4.9 million, single-handedly tilting the financial scales in Bangladesh's favor. His presence in the squad has fans and analysts alike rethinking the gap in quality between the two South Asian rivals.

The next highest-valued players for Bangladesh are Bashundhara Kings' star Rakib Hossain and defender Isa Faisal, each valued at $270,000. Compare that to India's top asset, Mohun Bagan midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte, valued at just $380,000. Defender Subhasish Bose, also from Mohun Bagan, follows closely with a $353,000 tag.

India head coach Manolo Marquez has named a 25-man squad for the match, while Bangladesh's Javier Cabrera will lead a 24-player contingent into battle. Both sides are locked in Group C of the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers, alongside Hong Kong and Singapore. Only the top team will secure a direct ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.