The Indian football team are entering a tough transition phase after bidding goodbye to their beloved Captain, Sunil Chhetri. As India begin their much-dreaded phase, the burning question of who will replace the “Captain, Leader, Legend” remains. As the Blue Tigers take the field for India vs Qatar, fans are particularly unhappy with the decision to give Rahim Ali the iconic number 11 jersey.
Rahim Ali handed Sunil Chhetri’s iconic number
The legacy of Sunil Chhetri is immense. His impact goes beyond goals; he’s inspired millions of fans and brought international recognition to Indian football. The number 11 jersey represents excellence, passion, and hope. Fans are hesitant to see Rahim Ali don this jersey because they feel it deserves to be worn by someone who can truly honour Chhetri’s remarkable legacy.
Indian football has often been called the “sleeping giants,” struggling to make an impact since their glory days between 1956 and 1970. But amidst all the disappointment over the years, Sunil Chhetri has been a shining beacon of hope. He hasn’t just been a great player; he’s been the face of Indian football, leading the team to rare triumphs and bringing pride to the nation. For fans, Chhetri’s number 11 is more than just a jersey—it’s a symbol of his extraordinary contributions.
Why are fans unhappy?
However, fans feel ‘wronged’ with Ali being given the number 11 jersey. The reason is simple: Chhetri’s incredible career, ending with 94 international goals, just behind global superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, has turned the number 11 into a legendary symbol. Fans believe that Ali, despite his potential, hasn’t yet earned the right to wear this revered number.
From a purely game-focused perspective, Rahim Ali, who has often stepped in for Chhetri as a substitute or replacement at centre forward, seems like a natural choice to fill his shoes. However, Rahim Ali has been quite poor and wasteful in the Blue Tigers jersey, missing a lot of chances to turn the tide in India’s favour. Thus the fans feeling Rahim not the suitable heir to the jersey is understandable.
Let us check some of the reactions from the fans
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