Bangladesh centre-back Topu 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.  

In their latest international fixture, India beat Maldives 3-0 at home in a friendly last week, with the Men in Blue scoring all three goals from set-pieces – two from corners and one from a freekick. 

"We have worked a lot with set-pieces. We've been very focused on that," Tapu told the reporters before the start of today's training at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

"India scored all three of their goals from set-plays against Maldives. They have multiple players who are good in those situations. We have to be cautious about that."

Much of the attention ahead of the tie has been about India talisman Sunil Chhetri who came out of retirement earlier this month. Chhetri, India's all-time highest goal-scorer, has been a pivotal figure in clawing out results for the Blue Tigers. 

India were winless in the past 17 months, drawing five matches and losing seven in that period. Since Chhetri's retirement, India played five matches and failed to win any, losing three and drawing two. The Blue Tigers snapped their winless streak by thrashing Maldives last week which was Chhetri's first match after coming out of retirement. 

"The Indian team is always good. All their players have come here after playing in the ISL [Indian Super League]. They are a good side, a good opposition. I have to mention Sunil Chhetri; India have not won since he retired. He is an inspiration for his team. India won after his return. There will be added focus on him. There is always a lot to learn from him," Tapu said.

Tapu acknowledged that he alongside the remaining three in Bangladesh's back four will have a key role to play if the men in red and green are to return with a result. 

"I've played a lot of matches against India but this time it's different. There is hype around the match this time. The people of Bangladesh are positive [about Bangladesh's chances in the contest] and are looking towards us [to win]. 

"I will have a big responsibility. The biggest thing will be not to concede and with that will be keeping the team motivated. I will try to put out a good fight with the other three defenders alongside me."