As India gears up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, the spotlight shines on Sunil Chhetri, the nation’s legendary captain, who is set to make his final international appearance. The match at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium not only holds significant implications for India’s qualification hopes but also marks an emotional farewell for one of Indian football’s greatest players.
India’s journey in Group A of the World Cup qualifiers has been fraught with challenges. The team last celebrated a victory 203 days ago, when they edged past Kuwait 1-0 in an away fixture. Since then, the road has been rocky, featuring a disappointing Asian Cup campaign and missed opportunities in crucial matches against Afghanistan. The resulting goal drought, stretching over 555 minutes of regulation play, has intensified calls for head coach Igor Stimac’s dismissal.
Despite these setbacks, Stimac has managed to secure an extended training camp and ensured the match will be played in Kolkata to leverage strong home support. This strategic move aims to harness the emotional energy surrounding Chhetri’s farewell to galvanize the team.
Chhetri’s retirement announcement has added an extra layer of emotional intensity to the match. Teammates and fans are united in their desire to send off their captain in grand style. Players like Brandon Fernandes, Subhasish Bose, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Lallianzuala Chhangte have publicly expressed their commitment to winning for Chhetri. Chhangte, in particular, is eager to contribute by assisting Chhetri, while Sahal has vowed to give his utmost effort.
Both team managers acknowledge the emotional stakes of the game. Rui Bento, Kuwait’s head coach, emphasized the need for emotional control, stating, “Football is emotion as is life. Controlling it is crucial, especially in a match like this. We must manage our emotions and play our game, seeing the opposition as opponents, not enemies.”
On paper, India holds an advantage over Kuwait, whom they have faced three times in the past year. Ranked 18 places below India, Kuwait occupies the last position in the group. Nevertheless, recent performances suggest that no match is straightforward. Kuwait’s resilience was evident in their tight contest against Qatar, where they held the Asian champions until the final minutes.
Stimac has faced challenges in finding quality bench options since the win against Kuwait. However, the return of key players like Sahal, Jeakson Singh, and Anwar Ali to full fitness, along with promising I-League talents Edmund Lalrindika and David Lalhlansanga, provides a boost. The team will, however, miss Vikram Partap Singh due to suspension and central defender Sandesh Jhingan, whose absence was felt in the loss to Afghanistan.
Stimac’s tactical choices will be under scrutiny. He confirmed that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will start as the No. 1 goalkeeper. A stable defense will be crucial, with Rahul Bheke and Anwar Ali expected to provide solidity. The formation is likely to be a 4-2-3-1, balancing defense and attack.
Lallianzuala Chhangte, in excellent form with seven goals and four assists in the latter half of the Indian Super League season, will be a key player. Whether Stimac opts for an aggressive four-man attack or a balanced lineup will be pivotal. A balanced approach might feature Brandon Fernandes or Anirudh Thapa playing behind Chhetri, with Chhangte and Manvir Singh on the flanks.
The 62,000-strong crowd at Salt Lake Stadium will play a crucial role, providing the emotional fuel the team needs. If an opportunity arises in the Kuwaiti box, fans will hope it falls to Chhetri, potentially allowing him to script a fairytale ending to his career. Chhetri, however, remains focused on the team’s success over individual glory. “I would like to get a 1-0 win. It doesn’t matter who scores. I just want us to win. This match is bigger than any single player,” he said.
As the nation rallies behind Chhetri and the team, this match represents more than just a game. It is a moment of potential transformation, a chance to honour a national hero, and an opportunity to inspire future generations of Indian footballers.
