The nice and never so good about Sunil Chhetri’s comeback | Soccer Information – The Occasions of India

NEW DELHI: “SUNIL CHHETRI IS BACK,” introduced the All India Soccer Federation (AIFF) on their official X (previously Twitter) account nearly per week in the past. The all-caps submit of Chhetri’s return included an Indian flag and a message: “The captain, chief, legend will return to the Indian nationwide group for the FIFA Worldwide Window in March.”
What adopted was a storm of reactions — of every kind — throughout social media, with many understandably delighted to see the return of Indian soccer’s golden boy; others questioned the worth of the long-form tributes written after his retirement, questioning what they meant now.

Whereas some noticed it as a glimmer of hope in a bleak part for Indian soccer, others requested some urgent questions: Why hasn’t Indian soccer produced one other Sunil Chhetri? Why could not India develop a worthy successor whereas Chhetri was nonetheless on the sphere? In a rustic of 1.four billion, is that an excessive amount of to ask?
“There was a time when folks questioned who may change Bhaichung Bhutia. Finally, we discovered a successor in Sunil. And equally, Sunil too will probably be changed, however it’s going to take time. Everybody simply must be affected person,” stated Mehtab Hossain, former India worldwide with 30 caps, lots of them alongside Chhetri, in an unique chat with TimesofIndia.com.
“Should you take a look at international locations in Africa or South America — excluding Europe, lots of them barely have correct infrastructure and even meals safety. However take a look at their soccer,” he added. “Our authorities must step as much as develop Indian soccer. It’s not sufficient to make lofty claims like having a imaginative and prescient for 2045 or 2050. It’s not about speaking — it’s about doing.”

Chhetri, for his half, has saved mum on his dramatic return to the worldwide fold.
However the principle doing the rounds is that Indian soccer’s poor run — no wins in 5 matches since his retirement — has fueled his comeback.
“When he introduced his retirement, my first thought was that he’d had an exquisite profession, and it was time for him to maneuver on. I wanted him one of the best,” recalled Robin Singh, Chhetri’s former teammate, who scored 4 objectives in 24 appearances for India.
Each Robin and Mehtab have seen Sunil’s rise, fall and rise once more by way of totally different phases of his profession. And each consider his return can solely assist Indian soccer.
“I am excited to see him play on the highest degree once more for the nationwide group. Hopefully, he can carry over the shape he’s proven within the league this season and replicate that for the nation,” stated Robin, referencing Chhetri’s 12-goal haul from 24 matches within the 2024/25 Indian Tremendous League season — second-best amongst all scorers in India’s top-tier competitors.

Now 40, Chhetri is about to as soon as once more don the India jersey when the group faces Maldives on March 19, forward of the AFC Asian Cup Qualification third-round conflict towards Bangladesh on March 25.
And if he finds the online, it may take him a step nearer to becoming a member of an elite membership in world soccer — gamers with 100 worldwide objectives.
Presently with a tally of 94 objectives, Chhetri is in line to affix the likes of legends Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ali Daei — the one three gamers to have achieved the feat.

Contemplating all of the features, Chhetri’s return is an intriguing subplot for soccer followers throughout the globe.
“I’m very completely happy as a result of after Sunil’s departure, the Indian group hasn’t delivered nice outcomes. His return comes on the proper time,” 39-year-old Mehtab remarked. “Perhaps he received’t be at his peak anymore, however the management he brings can nonetheless raise the squad. With out Sunil, who’s the idol on this group now? He got here again for the nation — in any other case, there was no motive for him to return.”
But, the query persists: If not Chhetri, then who?
“I feel the accountability doesn’t lie with only one particular person and even simply the nationwide group. It’s as much as your complete soccer fraternity to consider within the youthful era — gamers like Manvir Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vikram Partap Singh and Rahim Ali — who’ve proven they are often versatile,” Robin opined. “Sunil’s return will assist them, little doubt. Studying from one of the best can solely assist them transfer ahead.”
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