Sunil Chhetri Returns as India Faces Maldives in Friendly Match

SHILLONG, India — Indian football fans are buzzing with excitement as legendary player Sunil Chhetri makes his much-anticipated return to the national team during a friendly match against Maldives on March 19, 2025. Chhetri returns after a nine-month retirement, following a stellar season in the Indian Super League where he scored 12 goals, making him the top-scoring Indian player this season.

Head coach Manolo Marquez, who has taken over the national team, welcomed Chhetri back, highlighting his crucial role in a squad struggling to find the back of the net. ‘It’s a friendly game to prepare for the Asian Cup qualifier. We obviously want to win, but more importantly, we need to build the best possible condition for our first competitive match against Bangladesh next Tuesday,’ Marquez said in a pre-match press conference.

Marquez confirmed that Chhetri would see playing time, whether it be as a starter or coming off the bench. ‘He is the Indian player with the most goals this season. It doesn’t matter if a player is 20 or 40, if they are in better shape, they will be here,’ Marquez stated, emphasizing the need for experience and proven ability on the pitch.

The match will also serve as a crucial preparation for India, which has struggled offensively in recent matches, netting only three goals in their last five games. While India holds a dominant record against Maldives, winning 15 out of 21 encounters, the national team is under pressure to secure a convincing performance amidst concerns over their recent form.

Maldives, currently ranked 162nd in the FIFA standings, comes into the match following limited competitive action, having played only two matches over the last 18 months. Coach Ali Suzain hopes to galvanize his squad ahead of their own Asian Cup qualifiers. Experienced forward Ali Fasir, who has proved to be a key threat, will look to exploit any defensive lapses from India.

Chhetri’s return is marked not only by his impressive credentials but also by the emotional significance of his comeback. After announcing his retirement in June 2024, Chhetri scored 94 goals in 151 appearances for India, making him one of the nation’s most decorated players.

In addition to Chhetri, India will miss several key players due to injury, including Lallianzuala Chhangte and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. With Vishal Kaith expected to take the starting goalkeeper position, the team structure will undergo adjustments to accommodate these absences.

Despite the friendly nature of this match, both teams are eager to establish momentum for their upcoming qualifiers. Fans can look forward to a thrilling contest at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, starting at 7 PM IST, as the teams vie for an important psychological edge ahead of competitive fixtures.