ক্লাব ফুটবল নিয়ে ‘বিরাট’ ঘোষণার পর অবসর নিলেন সুনীল

Chhetri himself stated, “My journey with the national team is over. But my association with Bengaluru FC continues. If I can perform well this season, I may also bring my professional football career to a close.”

Earlier this year, Chhetri made a surprising return to the Indian national team for the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. With India failing to qualify, he has decided that his international career is officially over.

“I had returned only to help the team qualify. There was no other reason. If qualification hadn’t been possible, I probably wouldn’t have come back. Now that it’s clear, I have informed the coach and he understands,” Chhetri said.

After Khalid Jamil took over as head coach, Chhetri communicated his decision. His form with Bengaluru FC—14 goals in the Indian Super League (ISL)—was a major factor behind his recall to the national side. However, during his comeback, he managed just one goal in six matches, ending his international career with 95 goals.

Sunil Chhetri closes India chapter

“For me, there are no regrets. The regret is that we did not qualify for the Asian Cup. For the four games (in the qualifiers) I really gave my best.”https://t.co/VbQORs7ga2

— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) November 6, 2025

The 42-year-old legend reflected, “I have no regrets. Not qualifying for the Asian Cup is disappointing, but I have always given my best.” He added, “This season, I aim to score 15 goals and then retire. I want my final years in football to be dignified.”

Sunil Chhetri is not only a national icon but also one of Asia’s brightest football stars. His retirement marks an emotional moment for Indian football fans, who will now cherish the memories of his extraordinary career while enjoying his remaining season with Bengaluru FC.

আর্জেন্টিনায় খেলা এই ফুটবলার খেলবেন ভারতের জার্সিতে! সঙ্গে বেঙ্গালুরুর ১

On November 18, India will face Bangladesh in Dhaka. After losing to Singapore at home, India’s hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup finals are virtually over, especially without Sunil Chhetri. However, for this formality fixture, the federation wants to try out fresh talent and explore new possibilities. The national team camp begins in Bengaluru on Thursday, and both these “foreign” Indians are expected to join.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said, “Both Avneet and Williams will get a chance to prove themselves in the camp. If they meet the coach’s expectations, they could be included in the squad for the Dhaka match.”

Avneet Bharti, 26, currently plays for Bolivian top-division club Academia del Balompié Boliviano, on loan from Czech National League club FK Varnsdorf. He has also played for Sol de Mayo in Argentina. A centre-back by position, Avneet was born in Nepal, but because his father was a diplomat, he spent his childhood in several countries. During the 2019–20 season, he featured briefly for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, though most of his career has been abroad.

On the other hand, Ryan Williams, 31, was born in Perth, Australia, to an Anglo-Indian family — his mother is of Indian descent from Mumbai, and his father is from Kent, England. Recently, Williams obtained an Indian passport and currently plays as a forward for Bengaluru FC. He had earlier expressed his desire to represent India.

AIFF president Chaubey added, “In Williams’ case, we had to go through a long process. I must thank Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his ministry — without their help, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

According to federation sources, Avneet is ready to join the camp immediately, while Williams is awaiting final clearance. The inclusion of these two players could open a new horizon for Indian football. Their overseas experience and exposure could bring the strength and tactical awareness the Indian team needs to succeed on the international stage.

বাংলাদেশের বিপক্ষে সম্ভাব্য দলে নেই এই তারকা, সুযোগ ১ বাংলার ফুটবলারের

The biggest talking point is the absence of legendary striker Sunil Chhetri. For the first time in years, India will take the field without their long-time talisman. Jamil explained that the decision was made to give younger players a chance, keeping the future in mind. Sources suggest that Chhetri himself is no longer interested in representing the national team and believes it’s time to pass the baton to the next generation. It is rumored that he may soon officially announce his second retirement from international football.

Among the seniors, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan have been retained to provide balance and guidance to the youngsters. Interestingly, no Mohun Bagan players have been included — a significant move that has drawn attention, especially since regulars like Subhasish Bose are missing.

Among the young guns, Rahim Ali stands out as the only player from Bengal. He scored for India in their away match against Singapore and will be key in attack against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Mohammed Sanan, currently with the U-23 side, is expected to join the senior squad later.

The team also includes promising talents such as Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Ashique Kuruniyan, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Vikram Partap Singh — all viewed as the future of Indian football.

Though India’s Asian Cup dream is over, Jamil sees this match as a “new beginning.” The game in Dhaka will be a valuable test for India’s young stars to adapt to the demands of international football. How well the Chhetri-less side performs will be closely watched.

India’s Probable Squad:

#BlueTigers head coach Khalid Jamil has named 23 probables for the November FIFA International Match Window

More details https://t.co/oDsmVEFAlG#ACQ2027 #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/dCtmcpIeGl

— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) November 5, 2025