India’s record goal-scorer and former captain Sunil Chhetri has reversed his retirement call to play for the country in the FIFA March international window against Maldives and Bangladesh later this month.
India will be playing against Maldives in a friendly on March 19 and then face Bangladesh on March 25 in their third round of qualifiers for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
The 40-year-old had initially retired from international football in June 2024 after a goalless draw with Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Chhetri, back in May 16, 2024 had announced that he would retire after playing against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
However, he has continued playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, India’s top division, scoring 12 goals to become its highest Indian goalscorer this season.
He has played 23 matches for the Blues, starting in 17 and has contributed to 14 strikes, including two assists.
Chhetri, who is second in the Golden Boot race, helped Bengaluru return to the playoffs after it finished third from bottom in the last season.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced via their official X account that Chhetri was back.
Chhetri’s prestigious career has seen him clinch multiple records, and has often seen him net ever-crucial goals for India when they required their skipper to step up and lead the side.
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With 94 goals to his name, Chhetri is the 4th highest goalscorer in international football behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ali Daei.
India are grouped with Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China) and Singapore in its AFC Asian Cup qualifying group and will start their campaign in Shillong.
