India announces squad for FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait, Sunil Chhetri's farewell match

FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Indian Football Team, Sunil Chhetri

May 24, 2024

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India announces squad for FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait, Sunil Chhetri’s farewell match

The Indian national football team, also known as the Blue Tigers, has announced a 27-member squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Kuwait on June 6th. This match is one of the most important games in the history of Indian football as it will mark the international retirement of India’s legendary captain and star striker, Sunil Chhetri.

Head coach Igor Stimac announced the squad after a training camp in Bhubaneswar that included 32 players. Five players, including experienced forward Parthib Gogoi and defender Muhammad Hammad, were released due to injuries. Stimac commended the professionalism and hard work of all the players, highlighting the intense competition for spots, particularly in the forward and defender positions.

Also Read: Squad of all teams for the EURO 2024

While the specific nature of their injuries wasn’t disclosed, Stimac confirmed that both Gogoi and Hammad will require 7-14 days of rest. These unfortunate injuries mean they will miss out on the upcoming matches.

The remaining 27 players will continue their training in Bhubaneswar until May 29th, when they will travel to Kolkata, the venue for the match against Kuwait. The Blue Tigers will lock horns with Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium on June 6th.

Sunil Chhetri’s to take retirement after FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait

This match carries significant importance for India beyond just securing a win. The top two teams in Group A will qualify for the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier and also book their berth at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. Currently, India sits comfortably in second place with four points from four matches.

On May 17th, the 39-year-old legend announced his retirement from international football, making the Kuwait match his swansong appearance. This fixture will mark the end of a remarkable 19-year career that saw Chhetri establish himself as India’s all-time leading goal-scorer with a staggering 94 goals.

Chhetri will also retire as India’s most-capped player, having donned the national jersey a record 151 times. He will leave the international stage as the third-highest active international goal-scorer, only behind the global giants Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Overall, Chhetri is currently placed fourth in the prestigious list of international goal-scorers throughout history.

The Blue Tigers squad against Kuwait

The 27-member squad itself reflects a balanced approach. Experienced goalkeepers like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Amrinder Singh provide a strong foundation at the back. The defensive line boasts a mix of seasoned players like Rahul Bheke and Subhasish Bose alongside promising youngsters like Amey Ranawade and Lalchungnunga.

The midfield is packed with Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, and youngsters like Jeakson Singh and Sahal Abdul Samad. The attacking options offer depth and variation, with the likes of Manvir Singh and Rahim Ali supporting the iconic Sunil Chhetri in his final international appearance.

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Amey Ranawade, Lalchungnunga, Jay Gupta, Narender, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Subhasish Bose.

Forwards: Manvir Singh, David Lalhlansanga, Sunil Chhetri, Rahim Ali, Vikram Partap Singh.

Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Anirudh Thapa, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Edmund Lalrindika, Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Nandhakumar Sekar, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam.