Sunil Chhetri, is poised to make history as the first Indian to participate in three Asian Cup finals. Chhetri, driven by his commitment to the game, has deferred retirement, citing the upcoming World Cup qualifiers as the motivating force.
A captivating glimpse into Chhetri’s dedication is captured in a short video on X (formerly Twitter), shared by the All India Football Federation. The footage showcases the football maestro skillfully playing keepy-uppy, skillfully using his feet and thighs to keep the ball airborne. The background paints a mesmerizing picture of Doha, with the glaring white of floodlights harmonizing with the mellow orange hues of the setting sun.
The official handle of the India national football team accompanies the video with a caption that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the moment: “What pure joy looks like.” As Chhetri embarks on this remarkable journey, fans can’t help but be inspired by the passion and skill he brings to the beautiful game.
Sunil Chhetri Defying Age and Records
Approaching his fifth decade, Sunil Chhetri stands as the oldest outfield player in the 2024 Asian Cup and the second oldest in the entire competition, second only to Thailand’s goalkeeper Siwarak Tedsungnoen. With a milestone no Indian has achieved – playing in three Asian Cup finals – and a record-breaking 93 goals, Chhetri is a force to be reckoned with.
As the tournament’s second-most capped player at 145 appearances, his journey began in 2005, and now, balancing the roles of a new dad and a seasoned athlete, he remains one of the fittest in the squad. “You want to be with the kid and mother all the time,” he said, finishing a granola bar. Despite nearing the twilight of his career, Chhetri’s commitment shines through as he expresses a desire to continue beyond the Asian Cup.
In a recent statement, Chhetri highlighted the importance of upcoming matches against Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar, emphasizing his availability and dedication to the team. “We have got very important games against Afghanistan, Kuwait and Qatar and I will be available.”
While relishing the joy of fatherhood, he remains focused on the immediate challenges, avoiding peering too far into the future. “My head is not equipped to see very far.” Four years ago, after the heartbreak against Bahrain – “we needed a draw, they are a good side but not Japan,” Chhetri expressed with a frown during the Zoom call that he couldn’t envision being part of another Asian Cup.
“If we weren’t in the (2026 World Cup) qualifiers, probably this would have been my last. (But) we are in with a chance to make the third round for the first time in my career. I am not trying to put pressure on myself or the team when I say this but something really drastic has to go wrong from our side for us to not be in the third round. And right now, the team needs me,” he said.
India’s Road to 2026: Chhetri’s Perspective
In the journey towards the 2026 finals, India experienced victory against Kuwait and a setback against Qatar. This marks an unprecedented venture into the qualifiers’ later stages for the team. For Captain Chhetri, the significance of progressing further in the qualifiers surpasses the excitement of consecutive Asian Cup finals, a milestone in itself. “Making it to the third round is crucial, and a strong performance in the Asian Cup is key. Facing formidable teams like Syria, Uzbekistan, and Australia will be a true test for us,” Chhetri emphasized.
India is set to kick off against former champions Australia this Saturday, aiming for a remarkable underdog result in their opening match. Chhetri conveyed the team’s determination, stating, “No one, not even your friends, is giving you a chance. Imagine, if you get a result against Australia, that is something you are going to die with.”
Reflecting on past performances, Chhetri recalled India’s victorious start in 2019 against Thailand but acknowledged the subsequent challenges in the group stage. Learning from experience, he shared, “If I have to get three points this time too, I would want three draws.”
Drawing a parallel with the 2011 squad that also faced Australia in the competition, Chhetri highlighted the evolution in the team’s dynamics. While the 2011 roster had players nearing retirement, the current squad boasts nine individuals with 2019 tournament experience. Chhetri pinpointed the critical factor of information accessibility, noting that advancements in technology provide the team with detailed insights into opponents’ strategies and key players.
“Anyone in this squad will name the 11 who played Bahrain. Our analyst has already made the clips and sent them to us. Such details were not available to us in 2011,” Chhetri emphasized, underlining the modern advancements aiding India’s preparation for the upcoming challenges.
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Chhetri Reflects on Preparation Challenges and Tactical Transformations
Despite having less than two weeks of preparation for the upcoming tournament under head coach Igor Stimac, Chhetri expressed the ideal need for a four-week camp, citing the contrast with the nearly year-long preparations in 2011. He emphasized the importance of friendly matches against strong teams like Iran and Iraq to acclimate the players to the tempo expected from formidable opponents like Australia. Chhetri highlighted the current challenge, stating, “Right now, all the boys are used to the tempo of the ISL. Playing Australia will be a different level altogether.”
Acknowledging the changes brought in by Stimac since 2019, Chhetri referenced the extensive player pool tried out initially. Despite fluctuations in performance levels, Chhetri recalled the coach’s mantra: “trust my process.” Once Stimac identified the core group, minimal changes were made leading up to June. Chhetri praised the coach’s approach, fostering trust within the dressing room.
The maturity of players under Stimac’s coaching tenure was evident, with Chhetri mentioning the growth of individuals like Lallianzuala Chhangte, Suresh Wangjam, Anwar Ali, and Jeakson Singh(the latter two would miss the Asian Cup due to injuries).
Highlighting a shift in playing style, Chhetri noted that India now attempts more passes and resorts to fewer long balls, a strategic adjustment to avoid losing battles. “We lost a lot of battles by lumping the ball,” Chhetri said with a smile. He credited the increased responsibility given to players at their respective clubs for this positive change, indicating improved ball retention as a result.
