Courtesy: Google
In a major news from the world of football, Sunil Chhetri, the former Indian captain, has decided to come out of international retirement before being named in the head coach Manolo Marquez’s squad for a couple of matches later this month. India are slated to play Maldives in a friendly on March 19 before taking on Bangladesh in the all-important AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match on March 25.
Notably, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) made the announcement on their official website that the head coach had picked Sunil Chhetri, 40, in the Indian squad for the FIFA international window in March 2025 after he took a u-turn on his international retirement. Apart from Sunil Chhetri, a few of the names who will be leading the line for India against Maldives and Bangladesh are Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Manvir Singh.
The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team: AIFF on X
In their post on the official X account of AIFF (@IndianFootball), they announced the surprising return of Sunil Chhetri in Indian colours by writing on Thursday evening, “The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March.” As the leading goal-scorer for the Indian men’s football team, Sunil Chhetri will not only bolster the side’s attacking prowess, but also help elevate the younger players.
Another post from AIFF on X quoted the head coach Manolo Marquez, who remarked, “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.”
Below is India's 26-member squad for March 2025 FIFA International Window:
Goal-keepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, 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.
