Sunil Chhetri Returns: Why the Legendary Striker is Back and How He Fits into Manolo Marquez’s Plans

Indian football fans have reason to celebrate as Sunil Chhetri, the country’s most prolific goalscorer, has come out of international retirement. The 40-year-old striker will don the Blue Tigers jersey once again during the March international window, featuring in a friendly against the Maldives (March 19) and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh (March 25). His return couldn’t have come at a better time, as India has struggled to find a reliable centre-forward since Chhetri’s retirement last June. 

Sunil Chhetri in action for the Indian football team,

celebrating a goal in the ISL for Bengaluru FC.@IE

The Need for Chhetri’s Return

Since Chhetri’s retirement, the Indian football team has endured a winless run of five matches, including draws against Mauritius, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and a loss to Syria in the Intercontinental Cup final. The Blue Tigers have experimented with eight different strikers in this period – Manvir Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary, Liston Colaco, Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, and Sahal Abdul Samad. However, none have been able to fill the void left by Chhetri. 

Only two of these players – Irfan Yadwad (Chennaiyin FC) and Edmund Lalrindika (Inter Kashi)—have regularly played as centre-forwards for their clubs. Farukh Choudhary is the only striker to have scored a goal for India in the post-Chhetri era. Lallianzuala Chhangte, who was seen as Chhetri’s potential successor last season, has struggled to replicate his previous form, with just nine goal contributions this season compared to 23 last year. 

Chhetri’s return is a testament to his enduring quality and the lack of consistent goal-scoring options in the Indian squad. With 94 goals in 151 appearances for the national team, Chhetri remains India’s most reliable striker, even at the age of 40. 

Chhetri’s Current Form and Legacy

Despite his age, Chhetri has been in excellent form for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL). This season, he has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 23 appearances, making him the highest Indian scorer in the league and the second-highest overall. His ability to deliver consistently has been a rare bright spot in Indian football, where young strikers have struggled to make an impact. 

Chhetri’s experience and leadership are invaluable, especially against South Asian opponents. He has won the SAFF Championship four times (2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023) and has an impressive record against Maldives and Bangladesh, with seven goals and four assists combined against these teams. His return provides India with a proven goal-scorer who can deliver in crucial matches. 

How Chhetri Fits into Manolo Marquez’s Plans  

Chhetri’s age and physical limitations mean he can no longer play as an all-action striker. However, he has adapted his game to become a fox in the box, relying on his positioning and finishing skills. This season, seven of his 12 ISL goals have come from non-penalty situations, with five of them being headers from set pieces. All his goals have been scored from inside the box, showcasing his efficiency in the 18-yard area. 

Head coach Manolo Marquez has experimented with different formations and strategies in Chhetri’s absence. In the match against Syria, Marquez deployed Sahal Abdul Samad as a false-9, with Manvir Singh and Nandhakumar Sekar operating on the flanks. While India lost 0-3, the team generated an expected goals (xG) of 2.28, their highest in 2024.  

With Chhetri back in the squad, Marquez is likely to shift to a 4-3-3 formation, a system Bengaluru FC has used extensively this season. Chhetri’s versatility allows him to play as a centre-forward or on the left wing, giving Marquez flexibility in his tactical setup. Youngsters like Edmund Lalrindika and Irfan Yadwad can also be integrated into the team, providing depth and competition for the No. 9 position.  

The Road Ahead for Indian Football 

Chhetri’s return is a short-term solution to India’s striker crisis, but it also highlights the need for long-term planning. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia recently pointed out the lack of consistent performers in Indian football, stating, “The highest Indian scorer this year is also a 40-year-old man. So, yes, there’s a big gap, but hopefully, in 2025, we might be able to see that change.”  

The upcoming matches against Maldives and Bangladesh are crucial for India’s 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign. Chhetri’s presence not only boosts the team’s chances of success but also provides a learning opportunity for younger players. His experience and work ethic can inspire the next generation of Indian strikers to step up and fill his shoes. 

Conclusion

Sunil Chhetri’s return to the Indian national team is a significant moment for Indian football. His leadership, experience, and goal-scoring ability make him an invaluable asset as India aims to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. While his comeback addresses the immediate need for a reliable striker, it also underscores the importance of developing young talent to ensure the future of Indian football.  

As the Blue Tigers prepare for their upcoming matches, all eyes will be on Chhetri to see if he can once again deliver on the big stage. His journey continues to inspire millions, and his return is a reminder of why he remains the Golden Boy of Indian football. 

FAQs:

1. Why did Sunil Chhetri come out of retirement for the Indian football team?

Sunil Chhetri returned to address India’s lack of a dependable striker after a winless run of five matches since his retirement in June 2023.  

2. Which matches will Sunil Chhetri play in during the March international window?

Chhetri will feature in a friendly against Maldives (March 19) and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh (March 25).  

3. How has India performed since Sunil Chhetri’s retirement?

India has struggled, with five winless games, including draws against Mauritius, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and a loss to Syria in the Intercontinental Cup final.  

4. Who were the strikers tried by India after Sunil Chhetri’s retirement?

India tested eight strikers, including Manvir Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Rahim Ali, Farukh Choudhary, Liston Colaco, Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, and Sahal Abdul Samad.  

5. What is Sunil Chhetri’s current form in the Indian Super League (ISL)?

Chhetri has scored 12 goals and provided 2 assists in 23 games for Bengaluru FC, making him the highest Indian scorer in the ISL this season. 

 6. How does Sunil Chhetri fit into Manolo Marquez’s tactical plans?

Chhetri's versatility allows him to play as a centre-forward or left winger, enabling Marquez to use a 4-3-3 formation and experiment with younger strikers like Lalrindika and Yadwad.  

7. What is Sunil Chhetri’s record against Maldives and Bangladesh?

Chhetri has scored 7 goals and provided 4 assists combined against Maldives and Bangladesh, making him a key player for the upcoming matches.  

8. Why is Sunil Chhetri’s return crucial for India’s 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers?

 Chhetri’s experience and goal-scoring ability boost India’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, especially in high-pressure matches.  

9. How has Sunil Chhetri adapted his playing style at 40? 

 Chhetri has transformed into a fox-in-the-box, relying on positioning and efficiency, with most of his goals coming from inside the penalty area.  

10. What does Sunil Chhetri’s return mean for the future of Indian football?

While Chhetri’s return addresses the immediate striker crisis, it highlights the need to develop young talent to ensure the long-term success of Indian football.