India’s record goal-scorer and former captain Sunil Chhetri has reversed his retirement call and feature for the national team during the FIFA March international window. India will be playing against Bangladesh on March 25 in their third round of qualifiers of the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The 40-year-old had initially retired from international football in June 2024.

The legendary Chhetri decided to draw the curtains on his iconic international career, after having spent a record 19-years donning the national colours. Chhetri, back in May 16, 2024 had announced that he would retire after playing against Kuwait in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced via their official X account that Chhetri was back.

Chhetri’s prestigious career has seen him clinch multiple records, and has often seen him net ever-crucial goals for India when they required their skipper to step up and lead the side. With 94 goals to his name, Chhetri is the 4th highest goalscorer in international football behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Ali Daei.

After his retirement, the 40-year-old has continued to ply his trade in the Indian Super League for Bengaluru FC, where he has been in sparkling form this season. Chhetri has scored 12 goals in the 2024-25 season and also has 2 assists to his name.

Chhetri has played 23 matches for Bengaluru FC this season, starting in 17 of them. After his retirement, Chhetri had insisted that he didn’t make the call from a physical aspect as he felt he was fit and running.

India are grouped with Bangladesh, Hong Kong (China) and Singapore in its AFC Asian Cup qualifying group and will start their campaign in Shillong.