In a major development for Indian football, Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of international retirement and rejoin the national team for the March FIFA International Window.
The Indian football icon, who retired in June 2024, has been included in the 26-member squad announced by head coach Manolo Márquez for the upcoming friendly against Maldives (March 19) and the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh (March 25).
The decision to bring back India’s all-time top goal scorer highlights the ongoing struggles of the national team in the attacking department. While Indian football has seen young talents emerging, no one has been able to fill the void left by Chhetri, leading to concerns over the team’s goal-scoring ability.
Márquez on Chhetri’s Return
Head coach Manolo Márquez emphasized the importance of Chhetri’s comeback, stating:
“The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the National Team. He agreed, and so we have included him in the squad.”
At 40 years old, Chhetri remains one of the most reliable goal scorers in India, and his return could provide much-needed leadership and experience in this critical phase of India’s qualification campaign.
A Career Like No Other
Chhetri’s Unmatched Legacy
Chhetri’s return comes after an illustrious international career spanning 150 matches and 94 goals, making him the fourth-highest goal scorer in men’s international football, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.
His achievements include:
✅ Most International Appearances for India (150 matches)
✅ Most International Goals by an Indian (94 goals)
✅ Most Hat-Tricks for India (4)
✅ All-Time Top Goal Scorer in SAFF Championship (23 goals)
✅ Top Indian Goal Scorer in ISL (60 goals)
✅ Most Matches & Goals for Bengaluru FC (276 appearances, 122 goals)
Chhetri has been the face of Indian football for over two decades, inspiring generations of players and fans alike. His decision to retire last year was met with emotional farewells, tributes from FIFA, and even a three-part documentary titled ‘Captain Fantastic’ dedicated to his journey.
However, football has its twists, and much like Lionel Messi, who came out of international retirement to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina, Chhetri has returned to help India in a crucial period.
Why Did Chhetri Return?
1. India’s Struggles in Front of Goal
Since Chhetri’s retirement, India has struggled to find a consistent goal scorer. The team failed to score in multiple matches at the AFC Asian Cup 2024, highlighting the lack of a proven striker. Despite promising performances from Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manvir Singh, the team has lacked a clinical finisher.
2. His Current Form in the Indian Super League
Chhetri has been in top form for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, scoring 12 goals in 23 matches, making him the highest-scoring Indian player this season. His fitness, goal-scoring instinct, and leadership remain unmatched, making him a logical choice to lead India once again.
3. Importance of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers
India’s goal is to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, and the qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25 is a must-win game. A loss could jeopardize India’s chances, making Chhetri’s presence even more critical.
India’s Squad for March 2025 FIFA International Window
The 26-member squad includes a mix of experienced players and young talents:
Goalkeepers
• Amrinder Singh
• Gurmeet Singh
• Vishal Kaith
Defenders
• Asish Rai
• Boris Singh Thangjam
• Chinglensana Singh Konsham
• Hmingthanmawia
• Mehtab Singh
• Rahul Bheke
• Roshan Singh
• Sandesh Jhingan
• Subhasish Bose
Midfielders
• Ashique Kuruniyan
• Ayush Dev Chhetri
• Brandon Fernandes
• Brison Fernandes
• Jeakson Singh Thounaojam
• Lalengmawia
• Liston Colaco
• Mahesh Singh Naorem
• Suresh Singh Wangjam
Forwards
• Sunil Chhetri
• Farukh Choudhary
• Irfan Yadwad
• Lallianzuala Chhangte
• Manvir Singh
Upcoming Matches
📅 March 19 – Friendly vs Maldives (Shillong)
📅 March 25 – AFC Asian Cup Qualifier vs Bangladesh (Shillong)
Can India Build on Chhetri’s Comeback?
While Chhetri’s return is a massive boost, it also raises long-term concerns. India’s dependence on a 40-year-old striker reflects the lack of a strong replacement. The national team needs to develop younger players who can take over the goal-scoring responsibility in the coming years.
What’s Next for Indian Football?
1️⃣ Chhetri’s Leadership in Transition – While Chhetri is back, the focus should be on mentoring younger forwards like Irfan Yadwad and Lallianzuala Chhangte to take over in the future.
2️⃣ Building a Stronger Attacking Unit – India must look for alternatives to reduce dependency on Chhetri and develop a system that creates more goal-scoring opportunities.
3️⃣ Long-Term Vision for 2030 FIFA World Cup? – While Chhetri’s return is inspiring, India needs sustainable growth in football infrastructure, grassroots development, and better club performances to dream of World Cup qualification.
Final Thoughts: A Hero’s Return, But for How Long?
Sunil Chhetri’s return to the Indian national team is a moment of pride and nostalgia for fans. His leadership, experience, and goal-scoring ability will be crucial for India’s AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign.
However, his comeback also highlights India’s struggles in finding a worthy successor. While Chhetri might provide a short-term solution, Indian football must look ahead and groom the next generation of goal-scoring talent.
For now, though, fans can celebrate the return of their captain, leader, and legend—because when Sunil Chhetri steps onto the pitch, Indian football always has hope.
#IndianFootball #SunilChhetri #AFCAsianCup #CaptainFantastic
