Former India captain Sunil Chhetri has determined to come back out of retirement to assist the nationwide group in its third spherical of qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, in opposition to Bangladesh on March 25.
On Thursday, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) acknowledged that Chhetri is ready to renew duties with the Blue Tigers lower than a yr after bidding an emotional goodbye.
“The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March,” AIFF stated in a publish on X.
In June final yr, India’s report goalscorer referred to as time on his international profession following a goalless draw in opposition to Kuwait within the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The 40-year-old has continued to excel for Bengaluru FC within the Indian Super League this season, scoring 12 objectives and choosing up two assists in 23 matches – probably the most by an Indian this season and the second total.
India has been drawn alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Singapore in its Asian Cup qualifying group. It is ready to open its marketing campaign on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong later this month.
Chhetri, who has scored 94 objectives for India to date, will hope to assist India fare higher than it did within the 2023 Asian Cup when it limped to a group-stage exit following defeats to Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria.
Published – March 06, 2025 10:40 pm IST
