Sunil Chhetri’s Retirement: Who Will Be India’s Next Star Striker?
Reported by Gungun
On June 6, Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement after an illustrious 19-year career. With 150 national team appearances and 94 goals, Chhetri leaves behind a huge void. In his farewell message, Chhetri highlighted a key issue: India’s struggle to find a consistent goal-scorer. “Many of the national team boys don’t play as No. 9’s for their clubs,” he said. “It’s time our country got to see its next No. 9.”
For nearly two decades, India has leaned heavily on Chhetri. His involvement in almost every crucial goal for the national team underscores the challenge ahead. The team has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup five times in history, with Chhetri at the heart of three of those qualifications.
In 2008, Chhetri’s hat-trick against Tajikistan in the AFC Challengers Cup final secured India’s spot in the 2011 Asian Cup. Although India didn’t score any points in the 2011 tournament, Chhetri netted two goals. The team struggled in 2014, failing to advance past the second round of qualifiers, largely due to the absence of Chhetri’s goals.
India bounced back, qualifying for the 2019 and 2023 Asian Cups thanks to Chhetri’s consistent scoring. He scored eight goals for the 2019 qualification and seven for the 2023 qualification. Jeje Lalpekhlua, once seen as Chhetri’s potential successor, also showed promise but was hindered by injuries.
Chhetri’s advancing age was apparent during the 2023 qualification, yet he continued to deliver crucial goals. Without his 15 goals across these two campaigns, India’s progress would seem much less significant. Beyond these qualifications, Chhetri’s goals also led to victories in the SAFF Cup and Nehru Cup.
The national team’s next big challenge is finding someone to fill Chhetri’s shoes. “We are a little bit handicapped because many of the national team boys don’t play as No 9’s for their clubs. Now, when I’m not going to be there, I’m pretty sure many of them will step up. They’ll need time,” Chhetri expressed in his retirement video.
Since debuting in 2005 alongside Bhaichung Bhutia, Chhetri has been India’s go-to striker. After Bhutia retired in 2011, Chhetri became the sole leader of the attack, with few serious challengers. His professionalism and dedication set him apart, making him arguably India’s first truly professional footballer.
Chhetri’s 19-year career, marked by 150 national team appearances and 94 goals, spans an entire generation of Indian football. The question of who will follow in his footsteps remains, and it seems this question will persist for some time. As the country searches for its next great striker, Chhetri’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
