Indian Football Team Boosted by Sunil Chhetri's Return
The Indian football team's chances of qualifying for the Asian Cup have received a significant boost with Chhetri's return, and fans are eagerly waiting to see the impact he will have on the team's performance in the upcoming matches, with the country hoping to make a mark in the football world.
Sunil Chhetri, India's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, has come out of international retirement at the age of 40 to help the national team in their Asian Cup qualification campaign, sparking excitement among football fans in the country.
Chhetri, who last played for India in June 2023, has been included in the squad for the March international window, which includes a friendly match against Maldives on March 19 and a qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. Coach Manolo Marquez announced the decision, citing the importance of the Asian Cup qualification as a reason for Chhetri's return. Chhetri's experience and leadership qualities are expected to be a significant asset for the team, which has struggled to find consistent goal-scorers.
The move is seen as a wise decision by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and is an acknowledgement of Chhetri's greatness in Indian football. Chhetri's return raises questions about the quality of strikers in Indian football, with the country struggling to produce top-class goal-scorers. Despite his 40 years, Chhetri remains extremely fit and has been performing well in the Indian Super League, scoring 12 goals in 23 matches this season.
The team is preparing for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, and Chhetri's experience and leadership qualities are expected to be a significant asset. The AIFF president, Kalyan Chaubey, and secretary general, Anilkumar P, have welcomed Chhetri's return, citing his leadership qualities, form, and experience. Chhetri's comeback has sparked comparisons with Roger Milla, who came out of retirement at 38 to help Cameroon qualify for the quarterfinals of the 1990 World Cup.
Chhetri's return is seen as a boost to the Indian national team, which has struggled to find consistent goal-scorers. With his experience and leadership, the team is looking to build on his expertise to achieve success in the upcoming tournaments, starting with the friendly match against Maldives and the qualifier against Bangladesh.
