Bhaichung Bhutia criticises Manolo's decision to recall Chhetri to Indian team: 'Could have gambled on young strikers'

Bhaichung Bhutia disagreed with Indian football team coach Manolo Marquez’s decision to recall 40-year-old Sunil Chhetri to national team for Asian Cup qualifiers. He felt the strategy showcased lack of long-term planning.

Former Indian football team captain and legendary goals-scorer Bhaichung Bhutia has criticised head coach Manolo Marquez’s decision to
recall 40-year-old Sunil Chhetri to the national team for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Manolo had earlier revealed recalling Chhetri, who retired from international football in 2024, was his decision. However, the move did not provide the
desired result against Bangladesh last week in India’s first match of the Asian Cup Qualifiers final round. India are part of Group C along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Only the winner of the group will qualify for the Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia. Sensing the lack of a proper striker, Manolo picked Chhetri in the Indian football team, but the veteran who had scored 94 goals till last year, failed to find the net in the goalless draw against Bangladesh. He did score
in the friendly against Maldives earlier this month.

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