Indian football received a jolt on Friday when talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri’s name was missing from the 35 probables announced for the CAFA Nations Cup. Newly-appointed head coach Khalid Jamil took charge of the squad and made his first big call. The omission has sparked debate across the football community. Was the veteran striker dropped, rested, or did he himself opt out?
Chhetri had returned from international retirement earlier this year to help India in the Asian Cup qualifiers. But with his absence now, questions hang over his long-term role in the national team.
Chhetri’s Recent Role
The 41-year-old Chhetri retired from international football after playing against Kuwait in June 2023. Yet, then-coach Manolo Marquez convinced him to return for the Asian Cup qualifiers in March. Chhetri played four matches since his comeback, scoring once in India’s 3-0 victory over the Maldives.
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However, the team’s overall performance dipped. India lost 0-1 to Hong Kong, drew 0-0 with Bangladesh, and even fell 0-2 to Thailand in a friendly match. These results left India struggling to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup. Marquez later stepped down, citing poor results.
Bengaluru FC’s Turmoil
Another angle to Chhetri’s absence is the uncertainty at his club, Bengaluru FC. The club recently suspended salaries for players and staff due to the unclear future of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Despite this, other Bengaluru FC players such as Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Chinglensana Singh, and Suresh Singh have been included in Jamil’s probables list. This raises further questions about why only Chhetri is missing.
Jamil’s New Approach
Khalid Jamil’s squad signals a fresh approach. The probables include both experienced players and young talents from across clubs. Training has already begun in Bengaluru, with 22 players reporting to camp. Thirteen more will join after finishing their Durand Cup commitments. These include seven from Mohun Bagan, three from East Bengal, and one from NorthEast United.
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Placed in Group B, India will face Tajikistan on August 29, Iran on September 1, and Afghanistan on September 4. The third-place playoff and final are scheduled for September 8 in Hisor and Tashkent.
What Lies Ahead for Indian Football?
For now, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has stayed silent, saying only the head coach can explain Chhetri’s absence. But the situation reflects a crossroads moment for Indian football. The AIFF has urged clubs to release their players so the team can prepare for the Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore in October.
Whether Chhetri’s omission marks the end of his international journey or a temporary rest, one fact is clear. Khalid Jamil is making bold moves as India enters a crucial phase. His decisions will shape the team’s chances in both the CAFA Nations Cup and the Asian Cup road ahead.
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