India name squad for March International Window; Sunil Chhetri is back, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu left out

The legend is back!

Indian senior men’s national team head coach Manolo Márquez, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, announced his 26-member squad, including Sunil Chhetri, for the March FIFA International Window.

The fourth-highest international goalscorer of all-time with 94 strikes to his credit, Chhetri had announced his retirement from the national team in June last year, but is now set to make a return in India’s blue later this month. The Blue Tigers will play a friendly match against Maldives on March 19 in preparation for the opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round against Bangladesh on March 25.

Manolo Márquez 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 26-member squad for March 2025 FIFA International Window:

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, 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.

Sunil Chhetri is back

The 40-year-old had announced his retirement from the national team back in June 2024 after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier against Kuwait.

The Blues striker has been in superb form in the league this season having scored 12 goals and two assists in 23 appearances. The all-time leading scorer for the Indian national team and the 4th highest international goalscorer of all time will be a man determined to show his class again during the upcoming qualifiers. 

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