Sunil Chhetri Returns In India Vs Maldives Friendly

India faced Maldives in an international friendly match on March 19, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, marking a significant event for Indian football. The most prominent highlight of the match was the return of Sunil Chhetri, who rejoined the national team after coming out of a nine-month retirement. His participation, as confirmed by head coach Manolo Marquez, was seen as pivotal. Chhetri's presence was expected to uplift a team that has struggled for victories in the recent past.

The match began at 7:00 PM IST, with a lively crowd eagerly awaiting to witness this historic occasion—first-ever international match in Shillong. The Blue Tigers entered the match desperate for a win, having not secured a victory in over a year, with their last success dating back to June 2024 against Kuwait. Under Marquez’s guidance, the team has faced challenges, drawing against Mauritius, Vietnam, and Malaysia while suffering a heavy defeat to Syria, all of which underscored their need for revitalization.

Chhetri, renowned for his scoring prowess, demonstrated impressive form in the Indian Super League, netting 12 goals across 24 matches. Coach Marquez stated, "For sure, Sunil will play some minutes. I don't know whether as a starter or from the bench. We can use six substitutions, so 17 players can play, and I think Sunil will be one of them," emphasizing Chhetri's importance ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on March 25.

As the game commenced, India adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation, aiming to assert dominance early on against a Maldives side that was utilizing a 4-4-2 setup. Throughout the opening stages, India managed to dominate possession, but they struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. Chhetri's presence was monumental, but despite his seasoned performance, the forwards faced difficulty finding the back of the net.

On the other hand, Maldives came into this fixture ranked 162nd in the FIFA standings and had only played two matches in the past 18 months—both against Bangladesh, resulting in one win and one loss. Despite their lack of competitive action, the visiting side approached the match with determination as they prepared for their own AFC Asian Cup qualifier against the Philippines. Coach Ali Suzain, who led Maldives to the SAFF Championship title in 2018, expressed confidence in his squad's experience to rise to the occasion.

Historically, India has dominated this rivalry, winning 14 of their 16 encounters with Maldives, including a 3-1 victory in their last meeting in the 2021 SAFF Championship group stage. The only significant upswing for Maldives occurred during the 2018 SAFF Championship final, where they managed to secure a memorable win against India.

As the first half progressed, India’s offensive efforts were characterized by numerous near-misses, as Chettri, Mahesh Singh, and others were unable to capitalize on set pieces and opportunities inside the box. Despite the team's poor strike rate, the crowd in Shillong remained supportive, creating an electrifying atmosphere that bolstered the Blue Tigers' morale.

One of the key players for Maldives was Ali Fasir, who previously netted goals in both of their recent matches against Bangladesh. He posed a credible threat and was expected to test the Indian defense throughout the encounter. Both teams approached this friendly match as a critical opportunity to refine their tactics and build momentum ahead of more challenging fixtures in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

As the match progressed, the tactical battle between Marquez and Suzain began to unfold. Marquez, who had emphasized the importance of fielding players in good form, appeared hopeful for his first official victory as India’s head coach. The return of Chhetri was portrayed as a necessary step ensure the team’s attacking prowess restored, and his experience could be the difference maker in upcoming matches.

With the tension growing in the stadium and the first goal yet to be scored, both teams continued to engage in a competitive showdown, eager to seize the moment that could spark their respective campaigns. The friendly served not only as preparation for the Asian Cup qualifiers but also as a momentous occasion for the local Shillong fans, as they cheered for India in their home ground.

In the closing moments of the match, it became increasingly clear that for Chhetri and his teammates, this game was not merely about the scoreline but about reestablishing their confidence and camaraderie on the field. Following a challenging past year, each player's effort was closely watched by the crowd, with hopes resting heavily on the shoulders of their captain. Furthermore, as Chhetri fulfilled his 152nd international appearance in the jersey, it was a reminder of his legacy and the future challenges ahead.

The match concluded with expectations set for the Blue Tigers to rise to the occasion against Bangladesh in just a week. This pivotal clash offers a chance for redemption, and fans are left optimistic about the return of Chhetri and the potential of Indian football under Marquez's leadership. As the whistle blew, the focus shifted firmly to the crucial qualifier, yet the fans in Shillong would relish this memorable event etched in their football history.