New Delhi: Chhetri, who made his international debut in 2005 and retired as India’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player, has been named in coach Manolo Marquez’s 26-player squad for the March FIFA international window.
This decision comes less than a year after Chhetri announced his retirement following a remarkable career, leaving behind a significant gap that remains unfilled.
Having competed at the highest level until the age of 39 and finishing as one of the sport’s top scorers with 94 international goals, Chhetri’s retirement made headlines, with FIFA, the global governing body of football, leading the tributes for the iconic player.
In 2022, FIFA also released a documentary celebrating the long career of the Indian captain.
The documentary, titled Captain Fantastic, was divided into three parts: Kick-Off, Mid-Game, and Extra Time.
Chhetri ranks as the fourth-highest goal scorer in men’s football, behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei.
He announced his retirement following India’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 last year.
The Blue Tigers are set to face Maldives in a friendly on March 19 as part of their preparations for the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Bangladesh on March 25.
Marquez said, “The qualification for the Asian Cup is very crucial for us. Given the importance of the tournament and the matches ahead, I discussed with Sunil Chhetri about making a comeback to strengthen the national team. He agreed, and so we have included him in the squad.”
After his retirement, Chhetri continued to play for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. He has scored 12 goals in 23 matches this season, becoming the highest-scoring Indian player in the league.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong will host the Indian senior men’s team for their two matches during the FIFA international window this month.
India has been placed in a qualifying group for the Asian Cup alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore. In the last edition of the tournament, India had a disappointing campaign, failing to advance past the group stage after losing all their matches.
India’s 26-player squad for the March 2025 FIFA International Window:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh
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