'He Is Back': Sunil Chhetri Makes Stunning Return To International Football

Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement and will feature for the Indian Football Team in the upcoming international break. Sunil is expected to play against Bangladesh in the third round of qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The Bengaluru FC frontman had announced his retirement from international football in June last year.

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The AIFF has confirmed the development through a social media post. "𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊.

“The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March.”

India are scheduled to play an international friendly with Maldives on March 19, followed by the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25. India senior men's national team head coach Manolo Márquez said he had a discussion with Sunil given the importance of the AFC Asian Cup. As quoted by AIFF, he 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."

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The 40-year-old is still going strong and has scored plenty of goals in the Indian Super League this season. Chhetri has found the net 12 times in ISL, the most among the Indian players.

India's 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.