40-year-old Sunil Chhetri comes out of retirement to help India

Less than a year since bidding farewell to his glorious international career, Bengaluru FC striker Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement to help the Indian men's football team for two matches in the international window this month.

The 40-year-old has been included in India's 26-member squad for the friendly against Maldives on March 19 and the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup against Bangladesh on March 25. Both matches will be played in Shillong.

"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," said Head Coach Manolo Marquez.

With 94 goals for India, Chhetri is the fourth-highest international goalscorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo (135), Lionel Messi (112) and former Iran star Ali Daei (108).

Chhetri was given a fitting farewell at the Salt Lake Stadium last June in a goalless draw against Kuwait in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

With his surprise return to international football, Chhetri has a chance to get closer to triple digits in goals for senior India. The Indian men's football team have not won a match since November 16, 2023, when they defeated Kuwait 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

Squad
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.