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Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri returns to the national team, coming out of retirement.
'SUNIL CHHETRI IS BACK! The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March,' the AIFF announced on their X handle on Thursday.
40-year-old Chhetri will be back in action for Indian national team for the upcoming matches, a friendly against Maldives and then match vs Bangladesh at the AFC Asian qualifiers.
While announcing the Indian squad, national coach Manolo Márquez said in a statement: '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.'
The Blue Tigers will play a friendly against Maldives on March 19 before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Final Round match against Bangladesh on March 25. Both matches will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, the AIFF stated.
India have been placed in a qualifying group alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore for the Asian Cup. In the tournament's previous edition, India had a disappointing run, failing to progress past the group stage after losing all their matches.
Chhetri had retired from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024. Chhetri continues to play at the national level in the Indian Super League at Bengaluru FC.
India's 26-member squad for March 2025 FIFA International Window:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.