For now, everything seems fine on the Indian football front. A sport that had been suffering for want of a win, the whole of last year finally found a cure and a win. The Indian coach, Manolo Marquez secured what was needed to get the Indian team back on its stride and what is more into winning ways! The Spaniard realised that if this Indian team needed to move forward it required a striker of retired legend Sunil Chhetri’s class.

Sadly, there was none in the present lot in that mould. So, the next best solution was getting that retired man back and spare the blushes for the team he had served for over two decades and with distinction. Chhetri returns at age 40, looking fitter than players half his age and instantly becomes a source of inspiration. India thus broke the win-drought with a 3-0 effort over Maldives with Chhetri himself slotting one.

Coach Manolo’s plans thus fructified as he earned his first win with the Indian team in what was a preparatory exercise for the main challenge which is the AFC Cup 2027 qualifiers. Clearly, then the Spaniard’s trump card will be the veteran Chhetri! What a state of affairs in Indian football.

None to don a striker’s role with effect and have had to fall back on a retired player to provide the face-saving act! Not that Chhetri was truly retired and that is a blessing. He continues to be active with Bangalore FC in the ISL and doing what he does best and that is scoring goals.

Chhetri also is not the first big name in football to return from........

© Mathrubhumi English