Unfinished Business! Sunil Chhetri Returns to Elevate Indian Football on the Global Stage!

In a stunning turn of events, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri has decided to step out of retirement, answering the nation’s call again! The AIFF confirmed on Thursday that the iconic striker will don the Indian jersey again for the crucial FIFA international window in March 2025. 

Chhetri’s much-anticipated comeback will see him lead the charge in India's AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers against Bangladesh on March 25, as he secures a spot in coach Manolo Marquez's 26-man squad for this high-stakes encounter. The captain is back, and the dream lives on!

“The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March,” wrote the AIFF on X.

𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 🇮🇳

The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March.#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vzSQo0Ctez

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025

Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is set to host the Indian senior men's team's two matches scheduled during this month's FIFA international window. India has been drawn into a qualifying group with Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore for the Asian Cup. In the tournament's last edition, India had a disappointing campaign, exiting in the group stage after suffering defeats in all their matches.

Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time top scorer, retired in June 2024 after a goalless draw with Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. However, he has now made a stunning comeback, reigniting hope as India prepares for crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.