Sunil Chhetri’s unexpected return to the Indian national football team has sparked intense debate within the footballing community. The veteran striker, who had previously announced his international retirement in June last year, has been recalled to the squad for the upcoming March FIFA window. The decision, spearheaded by head coach Manolo Marquez, has drawn mixed reactions, with former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia criticizing the move, arguing that it could hinder the development of Indian football.
Manolo Marquez Justifies Chhetri’s Return
In a recent post-match press conference in the Indian Super League (ISL), Marquez addressed the media, defending his decision to reinstate Chhetri into the national setup.
“We are in a competition that we need to win and we need to score goals, be it in open play or through set-pieces. In the four games under me, we have scored only two goals, and we need to improve,” he stated, emphasizing the team’s pressing need for a reliable goal scorer.
Marquez pointed out that Chhetri remains the top Indian goal scorer in the ISL, outperforming younger talents like Brison Fernandes and Subhasish Bose. “This is the national team, and we need players who can deliver immediately,” he added, underscoring the urgency of results over long-term player development.
Balancing Youth Development with Performance
Addressing concerns regarding the impact of Chhetri’s return on emerging players, Marquez reiterated his commitment to grooming young talents. However, he maintained that the national team’s immediate objective was to secure victories.
“I have always maintained that the players who will shape the national team in the future are incredibly important, but at this moment, Chhetri is the best Indian striker. I think there is no doubt about that,” he declared.
Marquez’s stance highlights the delicate balance between fostering new talent and ensuring that India remains competitive on the international stage. While the long-term goal is to develop a new generation of players, the immediate need for results has prompted the coach to turn to Chhetri’s experience and goal-scoring prowess.
Special Praise for Ashique Kuruniyan
Alongside Chhetri’s return, Marquez also heaped praise on Ashique Kuruniyan, who has been selected for the upcoming matches. Despite limited playing time in recent months, Kuruniyan’s versatility and technical ability have made him an asset for the national squad.
“I know that Ashique Kuruniyan can’t play 90 minutes, but in the minutes that he does play, he is a game-changer. His power, technical decisions, and ability to play in multiple positions make him invaluable,” Marquez commented.
The coach highlighted Kuruniyan’s adaptability, noting that he has played as a left-back, winger, attacking midfielder, and even as a striker for India. “If he can play some minutes, he will be very important for us,” he added, signaling his confidence in the player’s impact.
Bhaichung Bhutia’s Criticism
While Marquez remains firm in his decision, Bhaichung Bhutia has openly criticized the recall of Chhetri, arguing that it could slow down the progress of Indian football. The former captain believes that giving younger players more opportunities in high-stakes matches would be a more effective way to build a stronger team for the future.
Bhutia’s viewpoint resonates with those who argue that Indian football needs to transition beyond its reliance on Chhetri and invest in developing a new attacking force. However, others contend that the 39-year-old striker’s continued presence could provide much-needed stability and experience in crucial fixtures.
A Contentious but Pragmatic Move
The debate over Chhetri’s return highlights the broader challenges faced by Indian football—a need to balance immediate results with long-term development. While critics argue that recalling Chhetri could hinder the growth of younger strikers, supporters believe his presence will provide leadership and a higher chance of success in the upcoming fixtures.
As the March FIFA window approaches, all eyes will be on Chhetri and the Indian national team. Whether this decision proves to be a masterstroke or a setback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Indian football continues to evolve, and every choice made now will shape its future trajectory.