On Saturday, India will square off against Jordan at the King Abdullah II International Stadium in Amman. This will be the first time the two sides will face off in an international friendly. Both teams are due to feature in the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in January next year and will be looking at the match as an opportunity to prepare for the showpiece event.

Ahead of the match, we sat down with India and Kerala Blasters FC player Halicharan Narzary for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts.

How is the mood in the camp?

The mood is great now. We all have been practising well. So, everyone is in a good mood.

How important are these friendlies with the AFC Asian Cup approaching?

It's very important for us. We are getting a chance ahead of AFC Asian Cup to play friendlies against good teams so that we can improve ourselves and play well together. It helps us as individuals and helps the team as well.

How important are the friendlies to you personally?

It's very important for me to improve myself as a player. To push my limits as a player and see how well I can play. To show the coach that I can give more than 100 % and learn how to improve myself more. It's a proud moment for me that I get a chance to play in the team. I want to improve myself more so I can play well in the AFC Asian Cup.

On Sunil Chhetri's absence.

Personally, I am sad because he's not coming. Whenever he is there, we are bound to get a result. So it's sad for me that he is not in the team but it's okay as he will continue to support us and we will play well for him.