Sunil Chhetri Returns To Indian Squad For Asian Cup Qualifiers

Sunil Chhetri returns to the squad as Indian senior men’s national football team visits Singapore for the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers away match.

Contents

The Blue Tigers have been training in Bengaluru since September 20 as part of their preparations for the double-header against Singapore.

India will play against host Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier final round Group C match at the National Stadium.

Return of Sunil Chhetri

The 41-year-old Chhetri, who came back from his international retirement earlier this year, was rested for the CAFA Nations Cup in August-September but will travel to Singapore for the Group C match on October 9. His return would boost the morale of the forward line that has struggled for goals. The legendary striker’s return signifies the importance of the match and how the Indian management is treating the upcoming double header.

Apart from Chhetri, Sandesh Jhingan also makes a comeback to the 23-member squad announced by head coach Khalid Jamil on Sunday. The Indian star defender had suffered an injury during India’s group match against Iran in the CAFA Nations Cup on September 1 in Hisor, Tajikistan, where India finished third.

Sunil Chhetri Returns To Indian Squad For Asian Cup Qualifiers — Image: AIFF

The Blue Tiger are currently at the bottom with one point from two matches, while Singapore stand at the top of the group, having acquired four points from as many games. The team that finishes at the top of the group will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

“We are not looking at the overall picture at the moment. There are still four matches to go, and the next one against Singapore is the most important for us right now,” Jamil said on the eve of departure.

“We cannot look too far ahead,we must go one step at a time.”

“Though we are travelling with 23 players, we are constantly monitoring the rest. For now, Hrithik and Suhail have been kept on standby for the two matches against Singapore,” said Jamil.

The home leg for India is slated to be held on October 14, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.

Also Read: CAFA Nations Cup: Uzbekistan Beats Iran In Final, India Wins Historic Bronze

India’s Squad for Singapore (away leg)

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Danish Farooq Bhat, Deepak Tangri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Sahal Abdul Samad, Udanta Singh Kumam.