Exclusive/ 'Not Going To Help': Bhaichung Bhutia Weighs In On Sunil Chhetri's Return, Feels Marquez Could Have 'Gambled' With Youngsters

Legendary Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri made headlines recently by announcing his return to international football almost nine months after hanging up his boots for the Blue Tigers. The centre forwards' return has divided the Indian fan base; some have lauded the decision, while others questioned it by pointing out the age factor. Few also showed concern about how the All India Football Federation (AIFF) failed to find Chhetri's perfect replacement in the last few months.

ALSO READ: Netizens React To Legendary Sunil Chhetri's Return To International Football From Retirement

The 40-year-old has always been the torch bearer of Indian football at the international level with an astonishing career. Chhetri holds the record of being India's top goal scorer. He donned the blue jersey in 150 matches, scoring 94 goals.

On March 6, AIFF took to their social media handle and announced that the Bengaluru FC striker will be taking part in the upcoming FIFA International Window, which will be held in the upcoming days. "Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March," the federation wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) while announcing Chhetri's comeback to international football.

ALSO READ: Sunil Chhetri Makes Stunning Return To International Football

Sunil Chhetri to come back is a good gesture: Bhaichung Bhutia

While speaking to Republic Media Network, legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia shed light on Chhetri's decision to reverse his international retirement, pointing out some crucial points. Bhutia heaped praise on the 40-year-old for coming back to play for the Blue Tigers, calling it a "good gesture". The former footballer weighed in on the age factor and said that Chettri's return wouldn't help the team in the long run.

2024 was a year to forget for all Indian fans. The Blue Tigers failed to clinch a single win last year and lost some crucial games, which ended India's dream to take part in the FIFA World Cup.

Bhutia said that India head coach Manolo Marquez and the AIFF are under "huge pressure" following a poor run in 2024; that's why they called Chhetri back in the side cause the Blue Tigers have to qualify for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup.

"I think for Sunil (Chhetri) to come back is a good gesture. But my point is, I don't know if it's really going to help Indian football in the long run. Because yes, Manolo Marquez and obviously the federation are in huge pressure because 2024 was a disaster for us without a win. So Asia Cup is a big tournament for us to qualify," Bhutia told R SportsFit.

In the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Team India have been placed in group C alongside Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangladesh. The Blue Tigers' first qualifying match in the AFC tournament will be against Bangladesh on March 25, where they have to put up a performance.

Prior to that, Marquez's side will play a friendly encounter against Maldives on March 19. India's next qualifying matches will be against Hong Kong and Singapore, which will be on June 10 and October 9, respectively.

The former footballer added that the Blue Tigers are not placed in a "very" difficult group, but the team's recent performance and ranking are not so great, which will create pressure on the players. He also pointed out that Chhetri's return is a "wonderful" gesture since the Indian team have a lot at stake.

"And if you look at the Asia Cup group as well, we are not put in a very difficult group. We are with Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Singapore. And if you look at the recent performance and the ranking, they are not so great. But for Sunil, I think it's a wonderful thing to come back and play for the country," he added.

Manolo Marquez could have gambled with the young other strikers: Bhutia

Bhutia further added that Marquez could have "gambled" by bringing youngsters into the squad since they are placed in a comparatively easier group in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

"This year, as I said, it's a very important year because we have got the Asia Cup qualifiers. Which is a very important tournament for Indian football to qualify for the Asia Cup. And again, looking at the group we are in, we are fairly very lucky because we were obviously ranked quite well in terms of qualifiers. So we have got fairly good teams in the group. So I feel we will have good results. And I still feel that Manolo Marquez could have gambled with the young other strikers," Bhutia further added.

Chhetri's last game for the Indian Team was on June 6, 2024, against Kuwait in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers. On March 6, Marquez named India's 26-member squad for the March FIFA window, which included Sunil Chhetri's name. Indian football enthusiasts will be hopeful to see Chhetri donning the blue jersey again and helping Team India qualify for the forthcoming AFC tournament.