Indian Football Team’s Asian dream came crashing down with a 0-1 defeat to Syria in their concluding match. This loss, following earlier setbacks against Australia and Uzbekistan, left the team empty-handed and fans and players in dismay. India’s standings mirror their recent result exposes the considerable gap that separates them from the top teams in the region. Amidst the lows, the looming question is the future of skipper Sunil Chhetri, who may have potentially played his last game in the continental showpiece.
Chhetri and Indian football have shared an inseparable bond since his debut at the age of 20 in 2005. Even after 19 years, the Indian legend, now approaching the twilight of his career, continues to be synonymous with the Blue Tigers. However, there’s a growing realization that it might be time for a change.
Entering this Asian Cup as the oldest outfield player, Chhetri held the record for the most international goals and the second-highest number of caps (145).
He accounted for a significant portion of India’s goals in the competition. Nevertheless, after 270 minutes against some of the best Asian teams, it’s evident that the need to look beyond Chhetri has become imperative.
Is it time to move beyond Sunil Chhetri?
Moving forward is essential, despite Chhetri’s fitness, agility, and hunger to lead the line. However, at the bigger stage of this Asian Cup, it became evident that he was not a match for the agile young talents of other teams. Sunil Chhetri’s performance in the tournament has been disappointing.
The soon-to-be 40-year-old managed only one shot on target in the entire 270 minutes while attempting only five in total. As India bowed out of the competition, lingering doubts about what could have been persisting.
Hypothetical scenarios like Chhetri scoring that crucial header against Australia or keeping his shot on target against Uzbekistan and Syria could have altered India’s fate, propelling them into the knockout stages.
But that is not the case, rather India crashed out with ZERO- 0 wins, 0 points and most importantly 0 positives. Adding to it is the harshest reality- a streak of five losses in the AFC Asian Cup – marking India’s worst-ever run in their history.
Being the captain and India’s go-getter all these years, Chhetri’s exceptional contributions have somewhat created an over-dependency, especially considering India’s relatively poor domestic set-up. But this needs to change, India needs to start looking beyond the years and prepare for Sunil Chhetri’s inevitable absence.
However, envisioning a future without Chhetri seems challenging for Stimac. Even in a U-23 competition like the Asian Games a few months ago, Chhetri started the first game.
Is Chhetri doing more harm than good now?
Chhetri’s influence looms large on the pitch, which now is doing more harm than good. Some of his current teammates, including Shahal, Thapa, Mahesh, and Chhangte, often prioritize finding him, even if it means neglecting teammates in better positions. Thus reducing India’s very rare chances to go ahead.
However, in the absence of Chhetri, this dynamic could undergo a significant shift. India’s promising next generation, including Apuia, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Mahesh, and Chhangte, could start taking things upon themselves which could propel them to do better in the coming years.
During the few instances in 2023 when Chhetri did not feature, the team exhibited greater flow and diversity in their build-up, seemingly creating more chances. Yet, there’s a significant caveat – they failed to convert any of those opportunities into goals. India, sans Sunil Chhetri, currently struggles to find the back of the net, adding to the disappointment.
Igor Stimac has made earnest efforts to groom new talent, with players like Rahim Ali, Ishan Pandita, and Manvir Singh taking the lead in the centre-forward role during his tenure. But the goal contributions from forwards Naorem Mahesh Singh Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manvir Singh last year, are still not enough to match Chhetri’s tally. With that the question of who after Chettri continues to haunt,
So if India need the answer to the most inevitable question of who after Chhetri, the Blue Tigers have to start a project sans the talisman and the project needs to begin NOW!!
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