Sunil Chhetri to Retire After India's World Cup Qualifier Against Kuwait
India Announces Squad for Final Match of Captain's International Career
In an announcement of their 27-man roster for the June 6 World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait, which would be the final game of longtime captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri's international career, India left out defender Muhammad Hammad and forward Parthib Gogoi owing to injury.
Igor Stimac, the head coach, revealed the team for the match that will take place in Kolkata.
Out of the 32 players who were camping in Bhubaneswar, five have been released from the camp: Phurba Lachenpa, Parthib, Imran Khan, Hammad, and Jithin MS.
They were all really diligent and professional. They are vying with each other for spots, particularly Jithin and Parthib, Stimac stated in a press statement.
He went on, "Parthib and Hammad sustained minor injuries a few days ago and will require 7–14 days of rest," however he did not say what kind of ailments.
The remaining players will continue their training in Bhubaneswar until they depart for Kolkata on May 29.
On June 6, the Blue Tigers and Kuwait will play at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
In their final two Group A games, India will travel to play Qatar on June 11 after their match against Kuwait.
India has four points from four games, good for second position in the group for now.
The top two teams in the group will secure berths in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and advance to the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
On May 17, 39-year-old Chhetri declared his intention to leave the international football team.
He will end his illustrious 19-year career against Kuwait, having scored 94 goals to rank first among Indian goal scorers.
At the conclusion of his swansong contest, he will have played in 151 matches and be the most-capped player in India.
After Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Chhetri will finish third among active players in terms of goals scored.
On the all-time list of international goal scorers, he is presently ranked fourth.
The Group
Vishal Kaith, Amrinder Singh, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu are the goalkeepers.
Defenders: Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose, Amey Ranawade, and Anwar Ali.
The following players are midfielders: Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nandhakumar Sekar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Suresh Singh Wangjam.
The forwards are Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, David Lalhlansanga, and Vikram Partap Singh.
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