Talismanic India striker Sunil Chhetri expressed his confidence in the team's chances of qualifying for the next round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, asserting that they are stronger and better prepared than ever before.
The 39-year-old Chhetri is set to captain India in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Joint Qualification campaign, beginning with the opening away tie against Kuwait on November 16.
The veteran said that the team's impressive performances against international sides at home have contributed to a more settled appearance.
"I think it is just the morale of the team, or what has happened in the last 6-8 months. A lot of boys have taken their places in the team. And that is why we are probably more prepared," Chhetri told AIFF on November 13.
"Also, the World Cup qualifiers are happening at a time when a lot of us have a decent amount of game time under our belts. All these things do matter."
India are scheduled to face Kuwait, Qatar, and Afghanistan in upcoming matches, and the captain emphasised that while individual player performances may vary, the team remains unfazed by the playing styles of their opponents.
"We played Kuwait twice a few months back, so we have better knowledge of them. We have played Qatar at least thrice in the last three years, which again helps. And we always know Afghanistan. We have played them enough.
"So I think whenever we play these teams, we might play good or bad, but we will not be surprised by what we are playing against. Barring the away tie in Kuwait, we are aware of the atmosphere for the away matches against Afghanistan and Qatar," said Chhetri.
Chhetri also added that India plan to emphasise teamwork over individual brilliance to pose a formidable challenge to their opponents.
"I think we are at the right stage. This team probably is a strong side. It's a team that has played together for some time. And a lot of youngsters are there. Yes, we look good.
"Our team has always relied on hard work, team spirit, and being together. A lot of other teams have individual flair and other things. Probably, we are not that team. And I've got no qualms in accepting that. So that is why I said we are more prepared. We have to turn up on the pitch and perform well," he said.
However, Chhetri acknowledged that translating the success achieved at home to foreign soil would require hard work and adjustments in their approach. India have maintained an unbeaten record in all 11 matches against foreign teams played at home this year. This impressive run extended nearly four years, with the last defeat occurring in Guwahati against Oman in September 2019 during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
"At home, we have done decently well. In away games, we haven't. If we have to go to the next round and be among the 18 best teams in Asia, we have to rectify our method. Here, every point in every game does matter, because the top two teams of every group qualify," Chhetri further said.
"So, we really have to work hard while starting against Kuwait in the away match. It's a difficult one. But, as I said, barring a few injuries, I think we are well prepared.”
"At the same time, these 18 teams won't have to play the qualifiers for the next Asian Cup. So, we can qualify automatically and reach the next round of the World Cup qualifiers too.”
Chhetri is set to make his fourth appearance in India's upcoming pre-World Cup journey, a national record. With nine goals to his credit, he holds the record for the most goals by an Indian footballer in pre-World Cup matches. However, the accomplished footballer attributes the success to teamwork.
"Whenever we have done well in the last four years, we have done it as a team. We are always a team more than individuals. So, that's why every one of us has to be switched on. Take as much information as possible and be as prepared as possible," he continued.
India secured the ninth SAFF Championship title earlier this year by defeating Kuwait 5-4 on penalties. However, Chhetri cautioned that facing Kuwait in their home country might pose a tougher challenge, especially with the home crowd supporting the hosts.
"When we play on the 16th against Kuwait, it will be a little different from the one we played last time at home. Now the local fans are probably going to be hostile against us. Kuwait will be different because all teams are different when they play at home.”
"But they also will be under pressure because they, like us, will try to be in the first two teams in the group. So it's not going to be easy. We must commit minimal mistakes because, in these big games, small mistakes can cost you a lot," he concluded.
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