Sunil Chhetri comeback is now official, as the Indian football legend has decided to return from international retirement for the upcoming FIFA International Window in March 2025. The 40-year-old striker, who led India for over a decade, has been included in the 26-member squad announced by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Sunil Chhetri’s Return to the Indian National Team
Chhetri, India all-time top goal-scorer, had bid farewell to international football after the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait in June 2024. However, less than a year later, he has decided to return following discussions with head coach Manolo Márquez, who emphasized the importance of India’s Asian Cup qualification campaign.
“The qualification for the Asian Cup is crucial. I had a conversation with Sunil Chhetri about returning to the national team, and he agreed. His experience will be a great boost to the squad,” said Márquez.
India FIFA Friendly & AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
The Indian football team will play a friendly match against the Maldives on March 19 as part of their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Their first official qualifier match will be against Bangladesh on March 25 at Shillong Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Placed in a group with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore, India aims to improve their performance after a disappointing run in the previous AFC Asian Cup, where they failed to progress past the group stage.
Sunil Chhetri Recent Performance in ISL
Even after stepping away from international football, Chhetri continued playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). This season, he has been in exceptional form, scoring 12 goals in 23 matches, making him the highest Indian goal-scorer in ISL history.
India 26-Member Squad for 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
Why Chhetri Comeback Matters
Chhetri return is a major boost for Indian football. As the fourth-highest goal scorer in men’s football history—only behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Daei—his experience, leadership, and goal-scoring ability will be vital for India’s campaign.
With crucial matches ahead, the return of India’s “Captain, Leader, Legend” brings hope for better results in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
