MUMBAI:
You wanted bedlam at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata as Sunil Chhetri reached the end of his international career but what he got was a low-key exit in many ways after a listless performance from the India national football team against Kuwait in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
When it was all over, Chhetri, for once, allowed his emotions to get the better of him.
He cried and so did his mother and fans in the stands as his watch ended. The silent guardian and watchful protector of the Indian national football team was now officially retired. But there was a moment, just after the final whistle blew when Chhetri wasn’t thinking about his farewell or retirement. He stood like a stone, gutted with the result as India’s historic chance to qualify for the third round of qualifiers almost went up in smoke.
And guess what, the Blue Tigers were guilty of committing the same wrongs that have seen them go on a winless streak since November 2023. In seven matches since the away win against Kuwait last year, India has drawn two and lost five.
In these matches, except against Qatar, the Blue Tigers have appeared to not give their best. At the biggest stage, the intensity, the cutting edge, the determination, and the desire have been missing.
Thursday, at the Salt Lake Stadium, was no different.
Almost 59,000 people turned up at the Mecca of Indian football to give a fitting farewell to their favourite son. There were giant banners and tifos to celebrate Chhetri and his contribution to Indian football.
One of the most iconic ones read: ‘Sonar Sunil. Tomay Hrid Majhare Rakhbo’ (Golden Sunil. Will keep you in my heart).
But heartbreak was not very far.
Kuwait, ranked 18 spots behind India on 139, were the better side for a large part of the first half and created solid chances in the first few minutes. The first one came as early as the fourth minute when India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had to make himself big to keep a Mohammad Daham effort out. In the 25th minute, Eid Alrashidi broke the offside trap for a chip that went over the bar.
In between, and later, there were dangerous crosses that were blocked by Gurpreet, while the Indian midfield, consisting of Anirudh Thapa and Sahal Abdul Samad, struggled to take control.
