India senior men's national team head coach Manolo Marquez on Thursday announced his 26-member squad, including the legendary Sunil Chhetri, for the March FIFA International Window. The fourth-highest international goalscorer of all-time with 94 strikes to his credit, Chhetri had announced his retirement from the national team in June last year but is now set to make a return in India's blue later this month.
<h2>Chhetri returns for India</h2>
The Blue Tigers will play a friendly match against Maldives on March 19 in preparation for the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Bangladesh on March 25, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) informed in a release on Thursday. Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host the Indian senior men&rsquo;s team's two matches that they will play during the FIFA international window in March.
Marquez said, "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."
In the first match, India will play against Maldives on March 19 in an international friendly as part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round campaign. The second match will be against Bangladesh on March 25, India's first game of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, the AIFF informed.
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<h2>India's 26-member squad for the March 2025 FIFA International Window:</h2>
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, and Suresh Singh Wangjam.
Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sports, Football: India senior men's national team head coach Manolo Marquez on Thursday announced his 26-member squad, including the legendary Sunil Chhetri.

India senior men's national team head coach Manolo Marquez on Thursday announced his 26-member squad, including the legendary Sunil Chhetri, for the March FIFA International Window. The fourth-highest international goalscorer of all-time with 94 strikes to his credit, Chhetri had announced his retirement from the national team in June last year but is now set to make a return in India's blue later this month. Chhetri returns for India The Blue Tigers will play a friendly match against Maldives on March 19 in preparation for the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Bangladesh on March 25, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) informed in a release on Thursday. Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host the Indian senior men’s team's two matches that they will play during the FIFA international window in March. Marquez said, "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." In the first match, India will play against Maldives on March 19 in an international friendly as part of preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round campaign. The second match will be against Bangladesh on March 25, India's first game of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, the AIFF informed. ALSO READ | India’s best batter Virat Kohli is third-highest ODI run scorer for 'England'. Know how India's 26-member squad for the 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, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose. Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, and Suresh Singh Wangjam. Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Sunil Chhetri revokes retirement decision, named in Manolo Marquez's 26-man India squad for international break

Sunil Chhetri Retires: Listing 5 major achievements of the Indian football captain

India’s legendary striker Sunil Chhetri has been scripting history left, right, and centre as he added another feather to his impressive cap by winning the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship at the start of July. Chhetri, now 38, will eye another milestone in his illustrious career as he tries to become just the fourth player to score 100 international goals. The Indian No.11 is going well for the last 18 years during which he led the national team to a place in the top 100 of the FIFA Rankings.

<h2>Chhetri on glory time with the national side</h2>

Chhetri expressed ecstasy at the course that his playing career has undertaken. The star striker has thrived in multiple clubs across the country and prospered in his overseas stints too. However, it is his unbreakable bond with the senior national team that continues to garner affection for him everywhere he goes, Chhetri said&nbsp;on Hero Indian Super League (ISL) exclusive show “In The Stands.”

“If anyone would have given me a book and asked me to write my dream life down back then, maybe, I wouldn’t have written it the way it has turned out to be. I say this with extreme humility. It’s an absolute privilege and honour to be who I am. I am profoundly blessed. The number of years I have played, the number of things I have achieved, the people I have shared the dressing room with, it’s an unbelievable feat. I am very thankful to a lot of people for that,” the Bengaluru FC talisman said.

“I am Sunil Chhetri. There’s only one and I am living an absolute dream,” he further quipped.

Despite the unadulterated warmth laden upon him, Chhetri is still in awe of major personalities across other spheres of life. He let his millions of fans know that he appreciates the courage that they gather to come up and talk to him whenever they want to, said the India captain. The forward went to the length of revealing that he has had to overcome nerves whilst bumping into the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and senior actor Amitabh Bachchan in public events previously.

“Whenever I meet Mary Kom, she will know that a fan has come to meet her. I met Neeraj Chopra. Of course, he is very sweet and he reciprocates the same feeling. When I met Mr. Bachchan, at first, I was a bit hesitant but I did accumulate the strength to go and tell him that I am a big fan. The first time I met (Sachin) Tendulkar, I was a bit hesitant. We were both invited as chief guests at a football tournament. He was being very nice and it’s not often that I am short of words but I was a little hesitant to tell him exactly what a big deal he is for me and the whole country,” Chhetri revealed.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asia-cup-2023-india-not-to-travel-to-pakistan-confirms-ipl-chairman-arun-dhumal-to-play-arch-rivals-in-sl-614572">Asia Cup 2023: India NOT to travel to Pakistan, confirms IPL chairman Arun Dhumal</a>

<h2>Comparisons with Virat Kohli</h2>

However, in his own words, he relates and connects the most with Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli. The two legends, hailing from Delhi, walk very similar paths in their respective careers. They stress the extreme importance of the need for a strict diet and lead by example with their exemplary fitness standards. Chhetri disclosed that there are certain discussions about dealing with and overcoming pressure and expectations that the two of them have talked about in great detail.

“We talk about a lot of normal things. We share a lot of laughter. We share a lot of jokes and a lot of funny stuff. I have had a lot of deep and meaningful chats. It’s not like we talk 24x7 every day. There are phases when we don’t talk for months but the best part is that he understands and so do I. But, we catch up exactly from where we left it. The few times when I have felt the heat of who I am and the need to perform and the few times that he has felt the heat of who he is and the need to perform, is exactly when we have chatted. He understands that not everyone can understand what we are going through and it just hits the right note,” he opened up.

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India’s legendary striker Sunil Chhetri has been scripting history left, right, and centre as he added another feather to his impressive cap by winning the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship at the start of July.

India’s legendary striker Sunil Chhetri has been scripting history left, right, and centre as he added another feather to his impressive cap by winning the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championship at the start of July. Chhetri, now 38, will eye another milestone in his illustrious career as he tries to become just the fourth player to score 100 international goals. The Indian No.11 is going well for the last 18 years during which he led the national team to a place in the top 100 of the FIFA Rankings. Chhetri on glory time with the national side Chhetri expressed ecstasy at the course that his playing career has undertaken. The star striker has thrived in multiple clubs across the country and prospered in his overseas stints too. However, it is his unbreakable bond with the senior national team that continues to garner affection for him everywhere he goes, Chhetri said on Hero Indian Super League (ISL) exclusive show “In The Stands.” “If anyone would have given me a book and asked me to write my dream life down back then, maybe, I wouldn’t have written it the way it has turned out to be. I say this with extreme humility. It’s an absolute privilege and honour to be who I am. I am profoundly blessed. The number of years I have played, the number of things I have achieved, the people I have shared the dressing room with, it’s an unbelievable feat. I am very thankful to a lot of people for that,” the Bengaluru FC talisman said. “I am Sunil Chhetri. There’s only one and I am living an absolute dream,” he further quipped. Despite the unadulterated warmth laden upon him, Chhetri is still in awe of major personalities across other spheres of life. He let his millions of fans know that he appreciates the courage that they gather to come up and talk to him whenever they want to, said the India captain. The forward went to the length of revealing that he has had to overcome nerves whilst bumping into the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and senior actor Amitabh Bachchan in public events previously. “Whenever I meet Mary Kom, she will know that a fan has come to meet her. I met Neeraj Chopra. Of course, he is very sweet and he reciprocates the same feeling. When I met Mr. Bachchan, at first, I was a bit hesitant but I did accumulate the strength to go and tell him that I am a big fan. The first time I met (Sachin) Tendulkar, I was a bit hesitant. We were both invited as chief guests at a football tournament. He was being very nice and it’s not often that I am short of words but I was a little hesitant to tell him exactly what a big deal he is for me and the whole country,” Chhetri revealed. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2023: India NOT to travel to Pakistan, confirms IPL chairman Arun Dhumal Comparisons with Virat Kohli However, in his own words, he relates and connects the most with Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli. The two legends, hailing from Delhi, walk very similar paths in their respective careers. They stress the extreme importance of the need for a strict diet and lead by example with their exemplary fitness standards. Chhetri disclosed that there are certain discussions about dealing with and overcoming pressure and expectations that the two of them have talked about in great detail. “We talk about a lot of normal things. We share a lot of laughter. We share a lot of jokes and a lot of funny stuff. I have had a lot of deep and meaningful chats. It’s not like we talk 24x7 every day. There are phases when we don’t talk for months but the best part is that he understands and so do I. But, we catch up exactly from where we left it. The few times when I have felt the heat of who I am and the need to perform and the few times that he has felt the heat of who he is and the need to perform, is exactly when we have chatted. He understands that not everyone can understand what we are going through and it just hits the right note,” he opened up. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sunil Chhetri reflects on illustrious career after recent success, says 'I am living an absolute dream'

Indian men's football team captain Sunil Chhetri became the joint fifth highest goalscorer in international football history. Chhetri achieved this feat during their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier clash against Hong Kong on Tuesday, where he scored his 84th goal. He has now equalled legendary Real Madrid and Hungarian player Ferenc Puskas goals scoring exploits on the international level.

Earlier in October 2021, Chhetri also surpassed legendary football player Pele`s record of 77 goals.&nbsp;He is now third on the list of active international goalscorers, just behind Portugal`s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina`s Lionel Messi. Currently, Ronaldo is the highest goalscorer in international football with 117 goals, while Messi is in the fourth spot with a total of 86 goals. Coming to the clash against Hong Kong, India completed their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2023 campaign in style at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata as they bagged a massive 4-0 win over Hong Kong in the final game of Group D. Anwar Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh and Ishan Pandita were the goalscorers for the Blue Tigers.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-chhetris-india-qualify-for-asian-cup-before-hong-kong-encounter-as-palestine-oust-philippines-488017">Sunil Chhetri's India qualify for Asian Cup before Hong Kong encounter as Palestine oust Philippines</a>

It was the third consecutive win for Team India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Earlier, they had defeated Cambodia and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Indian men's football team captain Sunil Chhetri became the joint fifth highest goalscorer in international football history. Chhetri achieved this feat during their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier clash against Hong Kong on Tuesday, where he scored his 84th goal.

Indian men's football team captain Sunil Chhetri became the joint fifth highest goalscorer in international football history. Chhetri achieved this feat during their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier clash against Hong Kong on Tuesday, where he scored his 84th goal. He has now equalled legendary Real Madrid and Hungarian player Ferenc Puskas goals scoring exploits on the international level. Earlier in October 2021, Chhetri also surpassed legendary football player Pele`s record of 77 goals. He is now third on the list of active international goalscorers, just behind Portugal`s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina`s Lionel Messi. Currently, Ronaldo is the highest goalscorer in international football with 117 goals, while Messi is in the fourth spot with a total of 86 goals. Coming to the clash against Hong Kong, India completed their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2023 campaign in style at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata as they bagged a massive 4-0 win over Hong Kong in the final game of Group D. Anwar Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh and Ishan Pandita were the goalscorers for the Blue Tigers. ALSO READ | Sunil Chhetri's India qualify for Asian Cup before Hong Kong encounter as Palestine oust Philippines It was the third consecutive win for Team India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Earlier, they had defeated Cambodia and Afghanistan.

AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Sunil Chhetri achieves elite feat as India beat Hong Kong to top Group D