Chhetri ready to don the national jersey again

Sunil Chhetri has reversed his retirement decision, agreeing to rejoin the national squad. Chhetri's decision to rejoin the Indian national football team marks a pivotal moment, strategically timed to bolster the squad for critical upcoming qualifiers. Following his initial retirement announcement in June 2024, head coach Manolo Marquez successfully persuaded Chhetri to reconsider, emphasizing the player's indispensable experience and goal-scoring prowess. This return is particularly significant given India's participation in the FIFA International Window in March 2025, featuring a friendly against Maldives on March 19th and the crucial AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round match against Bangladesh on March 25th, hosted at Shillong’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. As India's all-time leading goal scorer and most-capped player, Chhetri's presence is expected to provide a substantial morale boost, reinforcing team cohesion and inspiring younger players. His consistent performance in the Indian Super League has demonstrated his continued top form. The AIFF's focus on building a strong, unified team underscores the strategic importance of Chhetri's return, as India navigates these high-stakes qualifying matches, with the nation's footballing aspirations resting heavily on his leadership.

Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's Day wishes, messages and quotes !