Sunil Chhetri Makes Stunning Return to Indian National Team

New Delhi, India: Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has come out of international retirement to rejoin the national team for the March FIFA International Window, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed on Thursday.

Chhetri, India’s all-time top scorer with 94 international goals, had announced his retirement after the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6, 2024. However, after discussions with head coach Manolo Marquez, the 40-year-old has decided to return to strengthen India’s attack for the Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

The Blue Tigers will face Maldives in a friendly match on March 19, followed by their crucial qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25 at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Chhetri, who continues to shine for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, has already scored 12 goals in 23 matches this season.

India is placed in a qualifying group with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In the previous edition, the team failed to advance beyond the group stage, making Chhetri’s return a significant boost.