A scroll through Sunil Chhetri’s X timeline reveals a tweet that sums up his legendary career. It ends with a heartfelt phrase: “Maa tujhe salaam” (Salute to you, mother).
In football, skills, strategy, and achievements matter. But when playing for the national team, duty and passion take over. Personal records become secondary—winning for the country is the ultimate goal.
For Indian footballers, the challenge is even greater. Financial rewards are limited, and international success is rare. But for Chhetri, none of this ever mattered. As he says, “nothing comes close to playing for the country.”
Chhetri’s Surprising Comeback
At 40, Chhetri has reversed his international retirement. He had bid farewell last year after India’s heartbreaking draw against Kuwait in Kolkata.
But his return isn’t just about missing the blue jersey. With 94 international goals in 151 matches, he is back because the team needs him more than ever.
India’s Tough Qualification Challenge
Chhetri led India to consecutive AFC Asian Cup appearances in 2019 and 2023. Now, the team is chasing history—trying to qualify for a third straight time.
India faces Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore in the final round of qualifiers. Only the top team will advance. Despite the tournament expanding to 24 teams, India’s struggles continue. Their FIFA ranking has slipped to 126.
After failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, India replaced Igor Stimac with Manolo Marquez. However, results remain disappointing—one defeat, three draws, and only two goals scored.
Marquez has had little time to implement his strategy. The talent pool is limited. India needs an experienced leader. That’s why Chhetri is back.
Coach Explains Chhetri’s Return
Announcing the squad, Marquez justified his decision: “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.”
For fans, Chhetri’s return feels reassuring. But it also exposes a harsh truth—India still depends on a 40-year-old striker to deliver results.
India’s Striker Crisis
Even now, Chhetri remains India’s best goal-scorer. He has 12 goals in the current Indian Super League (ISL) season—more than any other Indian player. The second-best Indian scorer, Brison Fernandes, has only seven goals, and he isn’t even a striker.
This explains why Chhetri had to return. India doesn’t just lack international-level strikers; domestic leagues also struggle to produce goal-scorers.
The latest squad includes Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Manvir Singh as forwards. But aside from Yadwad, none regularly play as strikers for their clubs.
Even in the I-League, teams rely on foreign strikers. Indian forwards barely get a chance. If top clubs don’t develop strikers, the national team won’t find them either.
Chhetri’s Return Sends a Message to Clubs
Many argue that clubs prioritize winning, especially in India’s limited football ecosystem. That’s fair. But a strong system should have already produced enough strikers.
Instead, Indian football remains fragile. The ISL, despite financial struggles, holds it together. But this must change.
Chhetri will turn 41 soon. He can’t be the solution forever.
Just as he put India first, clubs must do the same. They should start regularly fielding Indian strikers instead of relying entirely on foreign players.
This shift won’t be easy. But if clubs take the first step, Indian football can finally build a future where it doesn’t need to depend on one legend to survive.
