Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri addressed the media on Wednesday, attempting to temper the mounting excitement surrounding his last international match. Instead, he directed attention to India’s crucial FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait. A victory in Thursday’s match could nearly secure India’s place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, making it their first appearance at that stage. The finals are slated to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
Last month, Chhetri, who boasts an illustrious 19-year career, announced that this second-leg match against Kuwait would mark his final bow in international football. “I think most of us have met already 20 days back and we have spoken about my last game. That’s done,” Chhetri remarked on the eve of this pivotal match. “We are here only and only to speak about Kuwait and India, and I’m trying really hard to not think about this game like this.”
As emotions ran high, Chhetri earnestly requested the media to refrain from repeatedly questioning him about his retirement, allowing the team to maintain their focus. “I again request… it’s not about me and my last name; it’s about us and Kuwait. Inside me, I’m fighting a small battle. Please don’t make it worse by asking ‘how are you feeling’ again and again. We don’t talk about it in the dressing room. We are still the same, we are still having fun. There is no talk about the last game; we are done with it.”
Highlighting the significance of the upcoming match, Chhetri elaborated on the implications of a win. “We really need to win this game. Once we win this game, it gives us a great chance to go to the third round, which we have never done. So all our might, everything that we have, is just pointed towards fighting it out. Because one thing we know for sure, this is not going to be easy. And one thing we are very happy about is that we are playing in Kolkata, we are going to have tremendous support.
. So it’s going to be a battle, and the good thing is we are all ready.”
In a lighter moment, when asked if he might reconsider his retirement plans should India advance to the third round, the 39-year-old striker joked, “No sir, the suits are made, I’m going to go and watch the boys play as a fan. I’m not somebody who just says something that comes on his mind. I might look like that, but I think a lot and I’ve given it my thought. It’s been 19 years; I had a great ride, and this is it. It’s not a joke, I’m highly grateful. It’s the right time; there couldn’t be a better game to call it my last. I’m at peace.”
The significance of the match against Kuwait is underscored by India’s unexpected 1-2 defeat against lower-ranked Afghanistan in a home leg tie in Guwahati in March, a result that drew substantial criticism from fans and pundits alike. “I’ve played worse sometimes, I played good but I just had a great ride,” Chhetri reflected. “On that note, I just want to say, imagine in the third round, India playing against Japan and Australia and what the whole euphoria is going to be. Probably we might reach there or we might not, but the effort has to be there so that we can reach there.”
A successful qualification to the third round would position India among the top 18 teams in Asia, vying for one of the eight coveted spots in the 2026 World Cup. The 18 teams would be divided into three groups of six, competing on a home-and-away basis. “I’ve worked 19 years for the national team, and we have not been in this position before. I can feel goose bumps, but I want the boys to be relaxed tomorrow. This is huge because once we win it, you know what’s there in store, things will change. It’s going to be magical. No pressure on us, but one thing is for sure: we want to give everything tomorrow. Hope all of us can enjoy tomorrow.”
When asked if he harbored any intentions of stepping into a coaching role in the future, Chhetri responded with a resolute “no” and, in a jesting tone, pointed to coach Igor Stimac, saying, “I don’t want to age faster like him.”
With the weight of his legacy and the aspirations of a nation on his shoulders, Chhetri’s clarity and focus shine through as he gears up for what could be a momentous final appearance. The team’s fate and the rigor of the match against Kuwait, however, remain uncertain as the countdown to the crucial qualifier ticks on.
