Sunil Chhetri Takes the Helm Upon Comeback As Coach Manolo Marquez Names India's Starting XI vs Maldives

Sunil Chhetri would mark his comeback as the captain of the Indian Football Team against Maldives. After it was announced that Chhetri would be reversing his retirement decision, he was named as a part of the International Friendlies against Maldives and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers against Bangladesh. The Indian football icon will once again march into the field with the captain's armband.

Sunil Chhetri Appointed As India Captain In Friendlies Against Maldives

The Indian Football have got their biggest talisman back as it was announced that Sunil Chhetri would return to International Football for the Indian Football Team. As the Blue Tigers prepare for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the 40-year-old will be seen running the field. While there were questions on whether he would be a starter or come up as a substitute in the game, Manolo Marquez announced that Chhetri would be wearing the armband upon his comeback.

This will be Chhetri's 152nd cap for the Blue Tigers when they lock horns against Maldives at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya .

Also Read: India vs Maldives: Sunil Chhetri's Comeback Takes Centre Stage as Indian Football Team Prep For Bangladesh Clash

Sunil Chhetri's Decision To Revert Retirement Call Defended By Coach Marquez 

Sunil Chhetri's decision to make a comeback faced criticism from certain fans as many believe that Indian Football needs players to step up and fill in his boots. However, Manolo Marquez defended the call, stating that players in better physical condition would be called up and added to the squad, and that age is irrelevant to the legendary Indian footballer.

He is the Indian player with the most goals this season. It doesn't matter if a player is 20, 40, or my grandfather at 87. If they are in better shape, they will be here. The national team is not about developing players. Developed players have to arrive here. The main team needs to win games. And if we need to win games, we need to call players who are in better shape," Manolo Marquez said at the pre-match press conference.

Pressure will be upon the Indian side when they lock horns against Maldives.

Also Read: India Vs Maldives: Venue, Date, Time, Squad, Live Streaming, Predicted XIs And All You Need To Know