Can Ritu turn the tide in SAFF final against India?

Peter Butler has termed Ritu Porna Chakma as one of the best wingers in South Asia, even Asia, but the Bangladesh forward is yet to truly showcase her quality in the ongoing SAFF Women's Championship.

That is perhaps why much of the spotlight ahead of Saturday's final against India at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has fallen on the 22-year-old, with Bangladesh hoping their big-match player can rediscover her rhythm when it matters most.

The defending champions have reached a third successive SAFF final and remain on course for a hattrick of titles, but they have not been at their fluent best. Bangladesh have scored just six goals in three matches, with their forwards struggling for consistency, making Ritu's return to form all the more important.

The left winger has managed only one goal in the tournament and has yet to produce the surging runs down the flank and dangerous deliveries that have become her trademark.

Yet even while below her best, Ritu once again demonstrated her knack for delivering on the big stage. Her 14th international strike, an Olympic goal against Nepal in Wednesday's semifinal, helped Bangladesh draw level and eventually reach the final. It was another reminder of her ability to rise to the occasion, having also scored the 81st-minute winner against Nepal in the 2024 SAFF Women's Championship final.

Ritu was also instrumental in Bangladesh's historic qualification for the AFC Women's Asian Cup last year, scoring two stunning long-range goals against Myanmar in the qualifiers.

Butler, however, insisted that Bangladesh's hopes do not rest on one player alone.

"Ritu is no more special than the rest of my players. I treat everybody the same. I don't deal with superstars. I really profess to the group to stay humble, have humility, and step by step we face adversity and we take on the challenges," Butler said.

The English coach will also be looking for greater cutting edge from the likes of Anika Rania Siddiqui, Shamsunnahar Jr, Tahura Khatun and Mst Sagorika as Bangladesh seek to overcome hosts India and retain their crown.