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Sunil Chhetri Comes Out of Retirement to Rejoin Indian National Football Team

India's all-time leading scorer will return for the March FIFA international window to address the team's scoring struggles.

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Sunil Chhetri will play the friendly against Maldives and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh later this month. (Getty Images)

Overview

  • Sunil Chhetri, India's most prolific footballer, has reversed his retirement nine months after stepping away from international play.
  • Chhetri will rejoin the Indian national team for two matches in March: an AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh and a friendly against Maldives.
  • Since his retirement, India has struggled offensively, scoring only three goals in five matches and failing to secure a single win.
  • Chhetri's domestic form has been exceptional, leading all Indian players in the Indian Super League with 12 goals this season, his best tally in years.
  • At 40 years old, Chhetri's return raises questions about India's long-term planning but provides an immediate boost to the team’s offensive capabilities.