Manolo Marquez Names Sunil Chhetri in March FIFA Squad

Synopsis

Manolo Marquez, India’s senior men's national team head coach, has announced a 26-member squad for the upcoming FIFA International Window in March, with Sunil Chhetri making a return to the team after his retirement last year. The team will play friendly matches against Maldives and Bangladesh in preparation for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Key Takeaways

Sunil Chhetri returns to the national team.
India will play friendly matches against Maldives and Bangladesh.
The matches are crucial for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
26-member squad announced by Manolo Marquez.
Matches to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.

New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) The head coach of India’s senior men’s national team, Manolo Marquez, unveiled his squad of 26 players on Thursday, which notably includes the iconic Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri, who ranks as the fourth-highest international goalscorer with 94 goals, had previously declared his retirement from the national team in June of last year, but he is poised to return to the field for India later this month.

The Blue Tigers are set to face the Maldives in a friendly on March 19, as part of their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round match against Bangladesh on March 25, according to a release from the All-India Football Federation (AIFF). Both matches will take place at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Marquez stated, "The qualification for the Asian Cup is of utmost importance for us. Given the significance of the upcoming tournament and matches, I spoke with Sunil Chhetri about his return to bolster the National Team. He agreed to join us, and hence, he is part of the squad."

In the friendly match, India will compete against Maldives on March 19 as part of their preparation for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round. Their second match is scheduled against Bangladesh on March 25, marking India's debut in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round, as confirmed by the AIFF.

Here is India’s 26-member squad for the March 2025 FIFA International Window:

Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Asish Rai, Boris Singh Thangjam, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Brandon Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, and Suresh Singh Wangjam.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.