“Captain Fantastic” is Back.
The AIFF announced Thursday that Indian football superstar Sunil Chhetri has chosen to come out of retirement to join the team in the forthcoming FIFA international window, beginning in March 2025. Chhetri was named one of coach Manolo Marquez’s 26 players for the March FIFA international window, and his next appearance in Indian colors will be against Bangladesh on March 25 in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In order for the Blues to get past the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifications, they would need Chhetri’s goal-scoring prowess and experience. Chhetri made his international debut in 2005 and went on to become India’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
The 40-year-old Chhetri declared his retirement from international football in June of last year following their failure to advance to the World Cup Third Round due to a goalless stalemate with Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers Group A Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Qatar | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 18 | 3 | +15 | 16 | World Cup qualifying third round and Asian Cup |
| 2 | Kuwait | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 | |
| 3 | India | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 7 | −4 | 5 | Asian Cup qualifying third round |
| 4 | Afghanistan | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 14 | −11 | 5 |
Sunil Chhetri is the 4th highest goalscorer in the all-time International Men’s football and has been an icon for Asian football. His continued service to the Indian Football team is remarkable and the dedication that he shows is inspiring for the young talents who wish to take up the sport.
Sunil Chhetri has single handedly managed to put India on the Football map as he ranks 4th on a list where he has only been overtaken by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ali Daei and ranks superior to some absolute legends of the game.
India’s Qualifying Group
India’s qualifying group includes Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and Bangladesh. Before playing Bangladesh in the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, it will kick off its campaign later this month at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong with a friendly match against the Maldives on March 19.
“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,” Manolo Marquez, India’s head coach, said.
India’s participation at the most recent Asian Cup was forgettable; they lost all three of their games and were eliminated in the group stages.
Only time will tell if coach Manolo Marquez employs him as an impact replacement or as the traditional No. 9 now that he is back in the squad and hoping to make a hat-trick of Asian Cup appearances.
India’s 26-Member Squad
India’s 26-member squad was also announced 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
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