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Indian football fans received a big boost as superstar footballer Sunil Chhetri has decided to take back his international retirement and return to national duty. The nation's record goal-scorer and former India captain is set to rejoin the Blue Tigers for the crucial third-round qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, with the first match scheduled against Bangladesh on March 25. Prior to this qualifier, India will also engage in a friendly match against the Maldives. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed Chhetri's return through an official announcement on the social media platform X, generating excitement and anticipation among supporters.
“The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March,” AIFF wrote on X.
“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,” AIFF quoted Marquez as saying.
“The Blue Tigers will play a friendly match against Maldives on March 19 in preparation for the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Bangladesh on March 25,” AIFF added.
The 40-year-old Chhetri took a U-turn on his retirement, which he had announced in June of the preceding year. While stepping away from national team duties, Chhetri continued to demonstrate his enduring talent and dedication by playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. His remarkable form this season has solidified his position as a key player, having scored 12 goals in 23 matches, making him the highest Indian goal-scorer in the current season. Moreover, he has also contributed with two assists.
Chhetri's illustrious career with the Indian national team has seen him score an impressive 94 goals. This achievement places him among the elite goal-scorers in men's international football, ranking fourth behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.
Chhetri's contributions to the national team are unparalleled. He stands as India's most capped player and the country's highest-ever goal scorer which makes him a true footballing icon in the country.
India's 26-member squad for March 2025 FIFA International Window:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, 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.
