New Delhi: Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri made a dramatic return to international football on Wednesday as he led India against the Maldives in a friendly at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The 40-year-old, who had announced his retirement last year, shocked fans earlier this month by reversing his decision. Head coach Manolo Marquez wasted no time in recalling him, handing him the captain’s armband as India prepared for a crucial period ahead.
This was Chhetri’s first appearance for the national team in nine months, with his last game coming in June 2024 against Kuwait in a World Cup qualifier. His farewell back then had been emotional, played in front of nearly 59,000 fans in Kolkata. However, India’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, coupled with Chhetri’s impressive form in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL), paved the way for an unexpected comeback. The striker had a prolific ISL season, scoring 12 goals in 24 matches—making him the league’s second-highest scorer and the top Indian goalscorer. His performances showed he still had plenty left to offer, leading to his return just as India shifted their focus to the 2027 Asian Cup.
The match against Maldives was also historic for another reason—it marked India’s first-ever game in Shillong. The football-loving hill town had long waited to host the national team, and the occasion became even more special with Chhetri’s return as captain.
Sunil Chhetri’s return boosts India ahead of key matches
Manolo Márquez names his India XI 🇮🇳 as Sunil Chhetri takes the ©️ armband. Once again. 🤩
Cap number 152. 💙#INDMDV #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/HqH31mV9m4
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 19, 2025
Sunil Chhetri remains India’s all-time top scorer, and despite stepping away from international football, he continued to prove his quality in domestic competitions. His return adds significant experience and leadership to a squad preparing for a crucial stretch of games. With India missing out on the 2026 World Cup, the team’s focus has now shifted to rebuilding for the 2027 Asian Cup.
For Marquez, this friendly was a vital opportunity to assess his squad ahead of his first competitive match as India’s head coach. His first big test comes in a week’s time, when India face Bangladesh on March 25 in an Asian Cup qualifier.
Speaking before the game, Marquez shared his excitement about playing in Shillong. “I remember watching the Durand Cup in Shillong last year and thinking it would be great if one day the national team could play here,” he said. Now, with Chhetri back leading the team, India aim to make the most of their preparations in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Sunil Chhetri made a stunning return to international football, captaining India against Maldives in Shillong, nine months after retirement, as the team prepares for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
