India will look to put its foot on the gas before it’s too late when it takes on Singapore away in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on Thursday.
And a lot of eyes, expectedly, will be on captain Sunil Chhetri, India’s record goalscorer, who has returned to the national team after four months.
Chhetri, who came out of retirement to help the Blue Tigers in the Asian Cup qualifiers, has failed to make an impact in national team colours — in competitive matches — with no goals from open play in nearly two years.
However, with India’s search for his successor — a consistent goalscoring forward — futile so far, the 41-year-old continues to be a ray of hope for his country in front of goal.
Chhetri in action against Bangladesh in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
| Photo Credit:
Ritu Raj Konwar
Chhetri in action against Bangladesh in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.
| Photo Credit:
Ritu Raj Konwar
It was thus surprising when India’s head coach Khalid Jamil excluded him from his first national camp, before the CAFA Nations Cup, a tournament where the side pleasantly surprised with a third-place finish, beating higher-ranked sides, Oman and Tajikistan.
ALSO READ: Sandesh Jhingan reveals hopes of India qualifying for AFC Asian Cup 2027
Ahead of the Asian Cup qualifiers, however, Chhetri was recalled to the national camp.
Will Sunil Chhetri play in Singapore vs India?
Chhetri has been training with the Indian team since September 29, after being released by his club, Bengaluru FC. He has also travelled with the Blue Tigers to Singapore for the game.
On the eve of the match, coach Jamil clarified that the forward is expected to have plenty of game time. to play full minutes against the Lions. “He is available, and he’s fit. Definitely, he will play for 90 minutes,” Jamil said.
A lot of eyes, expectedly, will be on captain Sunil Chhetri, India’s record goalscorer, who has returned to the national team after four months.
| Photo Credit:
Ritu Raj Konwar
A lot of eyes, expectedly, will be on captain Sunil Chhetri, India’s record goalscorer, who has returned to the national team after four months.
| Photo Credit:
Ritu Raj Konwar
What is Sunil Chhetri’s record against Singapore?
Chhetri has played just one match against Singapore, a 2022 international friendly, which ended as a 1-1 draw. However, Chhetri could not score in that match, while Ashique Kuruniyan’s equaliser saved the blushes for the Blue Tigers.
Published on Oct 09, 2025
