New Delhi: There have been numerous instances of footballers returning from retirement in the history of sports, and now an Indian footballing great is going to be added to that list. India captain and one of India’s greatest footballers of all time, Sunil Chhetri, has officially confirmed that he is making a comeback to international football. The Indian football federation announced this on Thursday, stating that Chhetri will be available for selection in the next March international window.
Chhetri’s Retirement and Unexpected Return
The 40-year-old striker had retired from international football last year, playing his last game on June 6, 2023, against Kuwait in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. The match was a 0-0 draw, an emotional farewell for the all-time great striker. But hardly 273 days after retirement, Chhetri has done a volte-face and is set to don the national jersey once more, hoping to help India qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
A critical future match against Bangladesh
India is already in the process of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification campaign, with a very crucial match lined up against Bangladesh on March 25 in Shillong, Meghalaya. In view of the importance of this match, Chhetri has decided to come back and provide his experience and goal-scoring prowess to the national team.
With 94 goals for India, Chhetri is India’s highest goal scorer of all time and the world’s fourth highest active goal scorer. His return is a chance to continue breaking his already remarkable records.
First Game Under New Coach Manolo Márquez For the first time in his professional life, Chhetri will be playing under Manolo Márquez, India’s new head coach. Márquez had replaced Chhetri after his retirement and has tried out numerous combinations of forwards since then. India, though, has been guilty of squandering chances in front of goal, finding the net only twice in four international games under his management. Knowing this vulnerability, Márquez and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have brought back the experienced striker hoping his return would bring the attacking edge the team sorely lacked.
Chhetri’s Exceptional Club Form
One of the key reasons Chhetri has been recalled is his class performance in club football. While he stepped away from playing for the nation, he has been a regular in Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). This season, he has scored 12 goals, including a stunning hat trick against Kerala Blasters. He has also assisted twice, directly helping his team score 14 goals. His consistent performances have convinced the AIFF as well as coach Márquez to bring him back to the national team.