"Like he never left": Twitter reacts as Sunil Chhetri guides India to win after 489 days

Preethi has been a Khel Now correspondent for Hyderabad FC since 2024.

Published at :March 19, 2025 at 11:55 PM

Modified at :March 20, 2025 at 11:22 AM

"Like he never left": Twitter reacts as Sunil Chhetri guides India to win after 489 days

India scored three goals against the Red Snappers.

A wave of excitement swept through the Blue Pilgrims as India played an international friendly match against Maldives at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. The encounter, which ultimately ended in a 3-0 victory for the Blue Tigers, was largely overshadowed by the significance of Sunil Chhetri’s return from his retirement.

The match began with defender Rahul Bheke opening the scoring, heading a goal from a precise assist from a Brandon Fernandes corner. Liston Colaco added a second goal in the 66th minute solidifying India’s grasp on the game.

However, it was Chhetri’s goal in the 76th minute that truly made this international friendly special for the Blue Pilgrims. As he scored the goal, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium erupted in celebration. His return added a special touch to the friendly, transforming it from a routine match into a memorable occasion for the Indian football community.

Here’s how the fans reacted to the win in the International friendly against Maldives:

Decent result against the MaldivesMahesh sensational on the wing, definite starter.Solid defence from Methab and Valpuia.Set piece dominance encouraging.Ayush okay, not a starter yetBose was poor#IndianFootball #INDMDV #BlueTigers
— Jim (@bluesides101) March 19, 2025

After a long wait finally India grabbed a victory ✌️🙌 Still should have dominated more and should have scored more chances against such a low ranked side ✅Bangladesh next 💀#IndianFootball #AIFF #sunilchhetri pic.twitter.com/rFBTx2qKjA
— samannay sen (@SamannayS) March 19, 2025

By the amount of chances, could've scored more goals. Anyways, India played better than expected.
— Barça Brigade (@FCB_brigade) March 19, 2025

Finally an open play goal for team India from our one and only Sunil Chhetri against Maldives. His 95th for the Country. Oh we so missed seeing him play for us. #sunilchhetri #indianfootball #IndiaVsMaldives
— Nitika aka Indie Kop (@nitikame) March 19, 2025

ALSO READ: India vs Maldives: First win in 489 days, Sunil Chhetri’s comeback & other talking points

When they write stories of the greatest champions to have played the sport, he's got to be right in front of the book. We've got Chhetri, Sunil Chhetri. 95 goals in international football now for Sunil Chhetri.#INDMDV | #IndianFootball | #SunilChhetri pic.twitter.com/uVooxQRPoX
— Aman Deep (@thalampofpeace) March 19, 2025

Like he never left 🫳🎤#sunilchhetri pic.twitter.com/Dhe98Rs2ZW
— Arjuna (@unknown_arjun) March 19, 2025

Sunil must be thinking "Why is it always me?". GOAT! #sunilchhetri #INDMDV https://t.co/Xcm2Z4biI5
— Eswar (@EswarPillai) March 19, 2025

I know it’s weird to come back from retirement and play for the nation, but trust me, we can’t replace @chetrisunil11 sir. He can still score goals for his nation. #Sunilchhetri #IndianFootball
— Debabrata Saha (@notfromhills) March 19, 2025

A solid performance from the Blue Tigers,though Brandon's injury raises some serious concerns ahead of the crucial clash.Liston was undoubtedly the standout player today & hope he brings that same level of brilliance when they face the revamped BGD squad.#INDMDV #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/0K5QoMIi4Q
— Tannu (@Tannu_Reads) March 19, 2025

Sunil Chhetri scores on return as India defeats Maldives 3-0 in international friendly, securing their first win in 489 days. Chhetri captained the team after recently reversing his retirement. #IndianFootball #FriendlyMatch #SunilChhetri #NewsOrbitX
— NewsOrbitX (@NewsOrbitX) March 19, 2025

From retirement to redemption! Sunil Chhetri proving once again why he's irreplaceable. 3 goals for India as they maintain a clean sheet and score a victory against Maldives!#sunilchhetri #indianfootball #indiavsmaldives
— Kashti (@preetily_kashti) March 19, 2025

40 years, 7 months – Sunil Chhetri has become the oldest goal-scorer in International Football in past decade among strikers!Another marvelous record for #IndianFootball team's iconic captain, who just seems to defy age & time, coming to the rescue of the country.Hero 🫡 💙 pic.twitter.com/yROUOjAQ87
— The Best 🇮🇳 ⚽ moments (@Moments_ISL) March 19, 2025

95TH GOAL FOR SUNIL CHHETRI 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/h5kmkKHetX
— 🆚''🦅 (@vsMBworld) March 19, 2025

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Preethi Raj Kanuganti

Balancing her medical studies with a strong passion for Indian football, Preethi has been a dedicated follower of the sport. Her speciality is covering and discovering stories, talking to players, conducting their interviews, and drafting articles. She particularly covers Hyderabad FC and other stories from the ISL and I-League.