Indian captain Sunil Chhetri after the ball in his farewell match against Kuwait in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match. Photo: AIFF Media Indian captain Sunil Chhetri after the ball in his farewell match against Kuwait in FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match. Photo: AIFF Media

Less than a year after announcing his international retirement, Sunil Chhetri is set to return to the Indian team once again to help the Blue Tigers in their bid for Asian Cup qualification.  (More Football News)

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𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈 𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 🇮🇳The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March.#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vzSQo0Ctez

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) March 6, 2025

"Sunil Chhetri is back. The captain, leader, legend will return to the Indian national team for the FIFA International Window in March," the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated on its official 'X' handle on Thursday.

The legendary footballer, who is India's highest goal scorer as well as the most capped Indian player, had called time on his glorious India career in June last year. The talismanic striker is now set to don the jersey again as he has been included in coach Manolo Marquez's list of 26 players for the March FIFA international window.

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."

India's next match is a friendly match against Maldives on March 19. After that, the Blue Tigers face Bangladesh on March 25 in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round. Both the games will be played in Shillong.

India have been placed in a qualifying group alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore for the Asian Cup.

India's 26-member squad for March 2025 FIFA International Window

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam,7jogos cassino 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, Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.

BY Outlook Entertainment Desk5gbet