Chhetri makes U-turn on international retirement
The Hindu
Former India captain Sunil Chhetri returns from retirement to boost national team in AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Former India captain Sunil Chhetri has decided to come out of retirement to help the national team in its third round of qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, against Bangladesh on March 25.
On Thursday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated that Chhetri is set to resume duties with the Blue Tigers less than a year after bidding an emotional goodbye.
“The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March,” AIFF said in a post on X.
In June last year, India’s record goalscorer called time on his international career following a goalless draw against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The 40-year-old has continued to excel for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League this season, scoring 12 goals and picking up two assists in 23 matches - the most by an Indian this season and the second overall.
India has been drawn alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Singapore in its Asian Cup qualifying group. It is set to open its campaign at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong later this month.
Chhetri, who has scored 94 goals for India so far, will hope to help India fare better than it did in the 2023 Asian Cup when it limped to a group-stage exit following defeats to Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria.
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